With the rise of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices, it can be tempting to treat your hearing loss with a do-it-yourself option that doesn’t require a prescription or a hearing evaluation. However, experts warn that these devices often provide little patient satisfaction. For best results, a patient should rely on the training and skills of a credentialed hearing healthcare professional to ensure they receive a device that will work for their unique hearing situation.
The truth is that managing your hearing health on your own has drawbacks. Buying hearing aids online or from a big box retailer may cause you to ignore a serious underlying health issue because hearing loss has many causes.
The Over-the-Counter Hearing Act of 2017 was meant to provide affordable solutions, but forgoing an examination by a qualified audiologist could pose serious risks to long-term health, which is why experts believe the bad may outweigh the good.
