Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are now available without a prescription, benefiting nearly 38 million Americans with hearing loss.

These devices are classified as 510(K) exempt by the FDA, meaning they are not mandated to undergo clinical trials.

However, OTC hearing aids offer less supplemental care than prescription options, which typically include professional evaluations and ongoing maintenance.

Audiologist Nicholas Reed emphasizes the advanced technology required for hearing aids due to the challenging environment of the ear.

For individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, consulting an audiologist before selecting an OTC hearing aid is advisable.

Self-fitting hearing aids are recommended as they are often more rigorously tested compared to standard OTC models.

Consumers can purchase OTC hearing aids online or at major retailers such as CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, and Costco.

The average cost of OTC hearing aids is approximately $1,600 per pair, which is significantly lower than prescription aids that can range from $1,000 to $6,000.

It's important to consider lifespan, as prescription hearing aids typically last longer (5-10 years) compared to many OTC options (2-3 years).

Assessing the total cost over time is crucial, as replacing cheaper OTC models may equal the expense of more durable prescription aids.

Among the options available, the Jabra Enhance Select 200 Premium stands out for its three-year warranty and included professional care.

Other strong contenders include the Audicus Wave and Sony E10, noted for their cleaning services, battery life, and lifespan.