According to the NY Times, nearly 86% of Americans over 50 with hearing loss don't wear hearing aids. Common signs you might have hearing loss include:
- Difficulty hearing on the phone
- Asking people to repeat what they're saying
- Turning up the TV volume which folks around you say is loud
- Problems hearing people when there's a lot of background noise
Well… the FDA has announced good news to those with mild to moderate hearing loss! They can now obtain hearing aids online and over the counter. That means if you have been considering trying a hearing aid but the cost ($1000- $14,000) and convenience of getting them held you back, you won't need a prescription or a trip to the audiologist in many cases. But folks with more severe hearing loss will still benefit from a professional exam and fitting for optimal performance.
Safe and Affordable Options
The FDA is hoping more manufacturers will enter the marketplace with safe, affordable, and still effective hearing aid options that are readily available. And product designs will make their appearance less stigmatizing.
These over-the-counter products come with some safety features since they are not fitted by a professional, which is also why they are not suitable for folks with more severe hearing issues:
- Lower maximum sound output to reduce the risk of hearing damage
- Reduced insertion depth in the ear canal to limit the risk of injury
- User-adjustable volume controls
- Instruction manuals that make sense to consumers, not just doctors
You might want to start with a hearing test to determine your loss level first. Your Medicare plan will cover a hearing test or hearing-related Medicare condition. Some Medicare Advantage plans will cover prescription hearing aids; how they will cover the over the counter brands is yet to be seen. And then, like many other products on the market, you might need to try several different brands to find the one that works to improve your particular hearing loss. These hearing aids will not be a solution for everyone. That's why it would be helpful to start with your doctor. As more develops on this opportunity, and shifts for coverage with Medicare emerge, we will keep you posted.
By Sharon Groves
Sharon Groves covers health, wellness, and lifestyle topics for the ARA newsletter, helping readers make informed decisions about their wellbeing in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
Let's take a look at the current over-the-counter hearing aid landscape together. Since the FDA approved these devices in October 2022, many people ask me, "Can Medicare cover over-the-counter hearing aids?" Here's what I've found: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) typically doesn't cover hearing aids, but many Medicare Advantage plans do provide hearing aid benefits. If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan for 2026, check your Summary of Benefits to see what hearing aid coverage you have.
Most people are surprised when they learn that OTC hearing aids from brands like Bose, Sony, and Lexie are now available at pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens, often for under $1,000. The key is knowing whether you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss versus severe hearing loss, which requires that professional audiologist fitting Sharon mentioned. Think of it this way: start with a hearing evaluation covered by your Medicare plan, then explore whether OTC options or prescription hearing aids make more sense for your specific needs.
A little preparation today can make a big difference in your hearing tomorrow.