Over The Counter Hearing Aids

What Doctors Wont Tell You

Over the counter hearing aids have caused a revolution in access to hearing healthcare since they became legal in 2022, but many consumers still don’t know all their choices. New research shows that while 48 million Americans have hearing loss less than 20% actually use hearing aids—because of high costs and limited availability.

Also when looking up “hearing aids near me,” many people don’t know they now have choices beyond regular clinics. Unlike prescription devices that need several visits and expert fitting, OTC options give quick solutions without the extra cost. This easy access applies to other hearing care needs too, like fixing hearing aids or finding batteries when you need them. But here’s something most doctors won’t tell you: today’s OTC devices have advanced tech that used to be in prescription models. In this full guide, we’ll look at the facts about OTC hearing aids in 2025, what’s good and not so good about them, and how to pick the right one for you.

What are over-the-counter hearing aids?

OTC hearing aids are a new type of hearing device that hit the market in late 2022. They’re different from regular hearing aids because you don’t need to go to a bunch of doctor’s appointments to get them. You can buy these devices straight from stores without a prescription or having a professional fit them for you. This makes them a handy option when you’re looking for something other than the usual “hearing aids near me” search results.

How OTC hearing aids became legal in the U.S.

The journey to make hearing aids available over the counter kicked off in 2017 when lawmakers passed a bill telling the FDA to create rules for this new type of device 1. This idea came from a suggestion made by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine in 2016. Senators Chuck Grassley and Elizabeth Warren then worked together across party lines to push it forward.

After working on it for years, the FDA finished making rules in August 2022. These rules created OTC hearing aids as a new type of device. The rule started working on October 17, 2022. It allowed adults to buy hearing aids straight from stores or online without needing doctor check-ups or expert fittings. This change helped solve old problems about getting hearing aids. Before about one in five people who needed hearing aids tried to get them 5.

Who OTC hearing aids are designed for

OTC hearing aids are designed to help adults 18 and older who think they have mild to moderate hearing loss. This level of hearing trouble falls between 20 and 60 decibels 6. You might need these if you:

Keep asking people to say things again or talk louder
Hear speech as if it’s muffled
Find it hard to hear in noisy places
Turn up the TV volume more than others

Keep in mind, these devices aren’t right for everyone. Kids under 18, people with bad hearing loss, or those with specific issues like sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or hearing loss in just one ear should see a doctor instead. In these situations regular prescription hearing aids are still needed.

How they’re different from prescription hearing aids

The main difference is in how people get and adjust these devices. Prescription hearing aids (which used to be called just “hearing aids”) need professional help, including hearing tests fitting sessions, and setup by audiologists or hearing experts.

On the other hand, OTC options do away with these needs letting users pick, fit, and tweak the devices on their own. This do-it-yourself approach helps make them cheaper—between $300-$600 per device, while prescription models often cost thousands.

In terms of how they work, OTC hearing aids have set output limits (111 dB SPL with 117 dB allowed when compression is on) and must let users customize the frequency response and volume. Many come with smartphone apps to personalize settings or to take hearing tests at home.

For people worried about upkeep, it’s good to know that locating “hearing aid batteries” or looking for “hearing aid repair” might be easier with OTC models, as they often use common parts you can find at many stores.

Even with these perks, prescription hearing aids have more high-tech features more ways to customize, and expert help—benefits that could matter more than cost for people with tricky hearing issues or major hearing loss.

The true upsides of OTC hearing aids (and what doctors leave out)

The growth of over-the-counter hearing aids brings practical advantages that transform how people tackle hearing health. These devices offer more than just convenience—they have benefits that regular healthcare providers highlight when talking about hearing solutions.

No need for appointments or referrals

OTC hearing aids have a big plus: they bypass the usual healthcare gatekeeping. Before, getting hearing aids meant booking several visits—first to your regular doctor then to a hearing specialist, and for fittings. This could take weeks sometimes months.

With these over-the-counter options, you can buy a device right away when you notice your hearing isn’t great. This straight-to-buyer approach means no more waiting for doctor notes or trying to fit into packed schedules. For many adults with full plates, this time-saver alone makes OTC devices worth a look when searches for “hearing aids near me” don’t turn up much in country areas or places without many services.

Lower prices and easier to get

Maybe the biggest advantage of OTC hearing aids is their much lower cost. Regular prescription hearing aids cost $2,000 to $5,000 for each ear making them too expensive for many Americans. In comparison good OTC devices cost $200 to $1,000 for a pair.

This big price difference happens because OTC models cut out several expenses:

They don’t include audiologist fees in the price
They don’t pass on clinic overhead costs to buyers
They have lower marketing costs by selling directly
More competition in the market pushes prices down

What’s more, accessibility is about more than just cost. You can find these devices at pharmacies, electronics stores, and online shops—places most people visit often making it easier to get “hearing aid batteries” and basic upkeep supplies too.

New features like Bluetooth and app control

You might think cheaper options wouldn’t have much to offer, but many OTC hearing aids come with advanced tech that used to be in expensive prescription models. The most impressive part? The digital customization options that allow users to adjust their hearing experience.

A lot of today’s OTC devices have:

Phone apps that let you customize sound settings
Bluetooth for playing music, making calls, and listening to TV
Mics that zero in on voices when there’s lots of noise
Tech that cuts down background noise
Different modes for various settings

These bells and whistles make OTC hearing aids attractive to tech-loving folks who like to tweak their device settings without seeing a pro for adjustments.

Why some doctors aren’t sold on them

You won’t hear many doctors raving about OTC hearing aids during checkups. This lack of excitement often comes from real worries about people diagnosing themselves and not getting the right fit, but other things play a part too.

To start, the traditional hearing aid business model relies on professional services and the markup on devices. OTC options have a significant impact on this revenue stream. Also many hearing specialists are concerned that patients might miss underlying medical conditions that could be spotted during professional evaluations.

Another worry involves choosing the right device—doctors have good reason to be concerned that patients might buy devices that don’t suit their specific hearing loss profile. Still, for the millions of people with mild to moderate hearing loss who would otherwise go without treatment, OTC options offer a useful middle ground between costly professional solutions and doing nothing at all.

What to watch out for when buying OTC hearing aids

While OTC hearing aids offer many benefits, buying these devices needs you to think about some possible downsides. Knowing these limits before you buy can help you decide if OTC options suit your needs.

Lack of professional fitting and tuning

The self-service aspect of over-the-counter hearing aids removes expert guidance that ensured peak performance. Without proper fitting many users experience uncomfortable wear constant feedback (whistling sounds), and poor sound quality.

Experts say that even high-quality devices can perform if not adjusted to your specific hearing profile. Research shows that insufficient help was a main reason people gave up on otherwise good-quality devices. Also, self-fitting can be hard for new hearing aid users who don’t know the technology well.

If you’re worried about getting the right fit, some companies offer remote help from licensed specialists for an extra fee—though this increases the total cost.

Limited support for severe hearing loss

FDA rules put limits on how loud OTC hearing aids can go. This makes them a poor fit for people who can’t hear well. These technical limits aim to keep users safe from hearing damage, but they also mean the devices don’t work as well for those who need stronger sound.

OTC hearing aids are for grown-ups who think they have mild to moderate hearing loss. This means kids under 18 and people who can’t hear very well should not use these devices at all.

Signs that you might need hearing aids from a doctor instead of OTC ones include:

Having a hard time hearing even when it’s quiet
Not being able to hear in one ear
Sudden loss of hearing
Feeling dizzy off-balance, or having ear pain
Trouble understanding what people say even when the volume is up

Shorter warranties and return windows

Many people don’t realize that OTC hearing aids offer fewer consumer protections than prescription devices. Federal law doesn’t require return policies for OTC hearing aids, unlike prescription ones (which some states mandate 45-day trials for).

Different makers have very different return policies. Some let you try the device for a while, others don’t allow returns at all. The same goes for warranties – you might get years of full coverage, or just basic protection against defects.

Before you buy, make sure to check:

How long you can try it out
If you get all your money back or just some
Any fees for returning
What condition it needs to be in when you send it back
How long the warranty lasts and what it covers

Hidden costs in budget models

The low prices of budget OTC hearing aids often hide ongoing costs that build up over time. Since these devices don’t come with professional services, users might have to pay extra for tweaks, fixes, or talks with hearing experts down the line.

Other costs that might sneak up on you include:

New batteries (for models you can’t recharge)
Tools and stuff to keep them clean
Fixing them when the warranty runs out
New parts not covered by limited warranties

These points show why looking at just the upfront cost can be tricky when you’re trying to figure out if over-the-counter hearing aids are cheaper than prescription ones in the long run.

How to pick the right OTC hearing aid for you

Picking the right over-the-counter hearing aid involves thinking about what you need. You can now find many choices at different prices, so knowing which features you want can help you save cash and avoid headaches.

Know how much hearing loss you have

First, figure out if your hearing problems match what over-the-counter devices can help with. These devices work best for mild to moderate hearing loss. You might need them if you struggle to hear in loud places, can’t keep up with group talks, or crank up the TV louder than others like. It’s a good idea to get your hearing checked by a pro before buying even though you don’t have to. This helps rule out any health issues that hearing aids can’t fix . Many companies also let you take free online tests to see if their products might be right for you.

Check for app-based customization

Self-fitting technology has a big impact on how well OTC hearing aids work. Check out devices that come with smartphone apps. These apps let you take hearing tests and adjust settings right on your phone. The best thing about today’s hearing aids is that you can tweak different sound frequencies. This means you can boost some sounds more than others . For example, Sony’s app runs a hearing test and then sets up your device just right . Lexie does something similar – their smart fit system tailors the device to your specific hearing needs .

Check out trial periods and return policies

Since people adjust long trial periods are key. Research shows it’s best to pick OTC hearing aids that let you try them for at least 45 days —some brands even give you up to 100 days. Also make sure you know all the details before you buy: Do they charge fees to restock? Will they count the trial cost toward your final purchase? How much can you get back if you return them ?

Look at battery life and how comfortable they are

Battery life differs a lot between models. Look for devices that last at least 18 hours . For example, Sony’s CRE-C20 can run up to 28 hours after charging for 4 hours . Bluetooth-enabled devices work for 12-30 hours . Also, comfort depends on how your ears are shaped. Try models with different sleeve sizes to find one that fits well and you can wear all day.

Think about Bluetooth and streaming options

, think about your connectivity needs. OTC hearing aids with Bluetooth let you stream audio from phones, TVs, and other devices, which improves sound quality . This feature is useful for phone calls, video chats, or listening to music. But keep in mind that Bluetooth often drains batteries faster, and not all OTC models have this feature. Some high-end models, like the Sony E10 connect to iOS devices through Bluetooth to stream FaceTime, YouTube, and more straight to your hearing aids .

Top OTC hearing aids in 2025: tested and reviewed

We’ve checked out a bunch of over-the-counter hearing aids and picked the best ones in different groups. We based our choices on thorough testing and what users had to say.

Best overall: Jabra Enhance Select 300

The Jabra Enhance Select 300 shines because it works well and is easy to use. This hearing aid sits behind your ear and does a great job with making speech clear, handling feedback, and cutting down noise. It costs between QAR 5,439 and QAR 6,167, depending on which service package you choose. The battery lasts 24 hours on one charge, which is pretty impressive. If you go for the Premium package, you get as many virtual appointments with hearing experts as you want, plus a three-year warranty. People like its user-friendly app that makes it simple to change the volume and switch between different sound settings for different places.

Best budget: Elehear Beyond

The Elehear Beyond gives great value to people watching their wallet costing about QAR 1,451. Even with its low price, this FDA-cleared device ranked in the top 15% of OTC hearing aids tested. It boasts AI noise reduction, a 20-hour battery, and Bluetooth 5.3. Its portable charging case offers four extra charges when you’re out and about. for mild to moderate hearing loss, it also helps with tinnitus offering 20 different nature sounds—something you see at this price.

Best in-ear: Sony CRE-C20

Sony’s CRE-C20 has a design that sits deep in the ear making it hard to spot. These devices can run for 28 hours on a single charge. You can buy them for about QAR 3,274. The FDA has cleared these devices, which fit in the ear canal. The case that charges them can give 60 more hours of power. While you can’t stream music through Bluetooth many users like how natural they sound. They also have mics that zero in on speech. You can tweak the settings using an app after taking a hearing test.

Best for streaming: Lexie B2+ by Bose

The Lexie B2+ offers Bose sound quality and useful features for QAR 3,635. These hearing aids you can recharge give 18 hours of battery life, and their charging case provides one more full charge. They stand out by supporting Bluetooth call streaming for iOS and Android devices. The Lexie app has a hearing test you can take in the app and settings you can adjust, along with customer support that lasts for life at no cost.

Best hybrid: Apple AirPods Pro 2

The FDA has just given the green light to the AirPods Pro 2 (QAR 906) as a hearing aid making them a handy two-in-one device. Once you finish Apple’s Hearing Test, these well-known earbuds turn into proper hearing aids for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Their main drawback is still the battery life, which lasts about 5-6 hours on a single charge. Even so, they shine when it comes to streaming audio quality and offer tailored hearing improvement through Apple’s Health app.

Conclusion

The landscape of hearing healthcare has undoubtedly shifted since OTC hearing aids entered the market. Many consumers now enjoy unprecedented access to affordable hearing solutions without the traditional barriers of appointments, referrals, or excessive costs. These devices offer a viable alternative for the millions of Americans with mild to moderate hearing loss who might otherwise go untreated.

Nevertheless, OTC hearing aids come with certain limitations. Users must carefully consider their specific hearing needs, comfort requirements, and technological preferences before making a purchase. The absence of professional fitting and programming means consumers must take more responsibility for their hearing health decisions.

Thorough research proves essential when selecting the right device. First, confirm your hearing loss falls within the appropriate range for OTC solutions. Next, evaluate features like smartphone compatibility, battery performance, and trial periods. Last, consider whether premium features like Bluetooth streaming justify higher price points for your lifestyle.

Although traditional hearing specialists may hesitate to recommend these devices, OTC hearing aids fill a crucial gap in the hearing healthcare system. Their emergence has democratized access to better hearing while pushing innovation across the entire industry. Subsequently, even those with severe hearing loss who still require prescription devices benefit from the technological advancements driven by this competitive market.

The right OTC hearing aid can significantly improve quality of life without breaking the bank. Through careful selection and realistic expectations, consumers can find solutions that restore connections to conversations, music, and the everyday sounds that make life richer.