Who Should Not Get ‘Over The Counter’ Hearing Aids?

So how do you know if OTC hearing aids won’t work for you? The following are some top reasons:

Medical Reasons:

Severe or profound hearing loss: OTC hearing aids are only intended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. People with severe or profound hearing loss need specialized high-powered hearing aids, or surgically implanted devices like cochlear implants. Do you struggle to hear normal conversational speech, even in quite environments? If you have severe or profound hearing loss,{Link}{ https://www.miracle-ear.com/hearing-loss/symptoms} you will likely need a more powerful device that can only be obtained through a licensed professional.

History of ear infections or fluctuating hearing loss: People with a history of chronic ear infections or fluctuating hearing loss should seek the help of a hearing care professional. Why? Your ear anatomy and hearing loss may present unique challenges that require earmolds or other custom-fit hearing aids.

Children and teens (early-onset): OTC hearing aids are not designed for children with hearing loss. Kids’ hearing aids need to be programmed and optimized to help them do their best in school. Additionally, children’s eras change shape as they grow, requiring custom ear pieces and specialized pediatric hearing aids.

Sudden-onset hearing loss: Anyone with a sudden change in hearing should immediately seek medical advice from an ENT or emergency department. A sudden hearing loss can be a sign of another medical problem and should be evaluated, especially if accompanied by dizziness and/or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). If treated promptly, it is possible to restore hearing. If hearing is not restored, you will likely need prescription hearing aids from an experienced provider.

Unilateral (one-sided) or asymmetrical hearing loss: If you have hearing loss in both ears but one ear hears better than the other, an OTC hearing aid is not a suitable treatment option. The same is true if only one ear has hearing loss. Instead, the first step should be to see an audiologist or ENT to rule out other medical conditions that can cause this type of hearing loss. After that is done, specialized hearing aids can address your unique type of hearing loss.

Unusual ear canal geometry: People with very narrow ear canals, or surgical ears, should consult with a professional before considering an OTC hearing aid. In most cases, a more customized earmold will be more effective and more comfortable. Additionally, if retention is a concern, an audiologist is able to make adjustments to keep your hearing aid comfortably in place.

Personal Reasons:

Even if none of the above apply to you, you can still see a hearing care professional for specialized hearing care. Some common “personal” reasons people seek in-person care:

Technologically challenged: Do you have difficulty using an app on a Smartphone? Struggle to keep up with technology? You’ll do best with a traditional hearing aid from a licensed professional who can help you with special features like custom programs, Bluetooth connectivity help, or assistive listening devices like a remote microphone.

Prefer professional evaluation: When considering OTC, it’s also important to ask yourself how comfortable you are with fitting your own devices independently. A professional hearing evaluation provides objective information regarding the degree of your hearing loss as well as which treatment options will work best for you. From there, it’s much easier to make the most appropriate choice.

People often underestimate their level of hearing loss as well as the hearing aid adjustment process.

You’re not sure if you have hearing loss: Most age-related hearing loss is so gradual and progressive it can be hard to appropriately judge how much you’re missing out on. Studies have shown that the majority of those with audiometric hearing loss didn’t notice any hearing difficulty. Meaning that by the time hearing loss is noticeable, a person may have developed a moderate or more severe hearing loss. For this reason, it’s a good idea to at least have a professional hearing test prior to pursuing OTC or prescriptive hearing options.

If you know or feel that you’re experiencing hearing loss, take the most important step and schedule a FREE hearing exam with your nearest Miracle-Ear specialist, who are trained and licensed to help you determine what’s the best route for you to take to address your hearing loss.

Call today (888) 246-6119 to schedule your FREE hearing exam.

When worn correctly, hearing aids offer many health benefits. Not only will you hear better, you’re helping your brain avoid future auditory deprivation and possibly dementia. Your Hearing Health is too important to just be leaving it up to guessing at what you think you might need!