Hearing loss impacts millions of Americans and can contribute to dementia. However, the majority of people don’t get the help they need.
“They don’t want to be like their grandmother,” Dr. Lynda Mercer said.
Hearing aids have come a long way since the 17th century when the only option was an ear trumpet. But modern-day devices can often be expensive and require a medical exam, prescription, or fitting.
A historic ruling by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could change that.
If you suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss, soon, you’ll be able to buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids at big box stores and pharmacies.
“I think in one sense, it’s going to be great. People are going to get help sooner because they don’t have to go through the channels to get it,” Dr. Mercer said.
Dr. Mercer is a board-certified audiologist who owns Southwest Florida Center for Hearing and Balance in Fort Myers.
She says the stigma of getting old is holding people back.
“They’re in denial,” she said.
Around 30 million people suffer from hearing loss. Yet, according to the FDA Commissioner, only about one in five get treatment.
Money could be another reason for reluctancy. It costs around $4,000 for a pair of hearing aids, and it’s not covered by basic medicare.
Dr. Karen Major, who received her Doctorate in Audiology, works with Dr. Mercer. She said people wait an average of seven years to get help after noticing a change in their hearing.
“Most of us don’t wait that long at all for any other healthcare,” Dr. Major said.
Waiting to treat hearing loss can lead to falls, social isolation, depression and dementia.
“We know that people who have hearing loss have a significant deterioration in their brain
mass,” Dr. Mercer said.
By mid-October, you can skip the co-pays and grab your OTC hearing aid from any big retailer like Walmart, Amazon or Best buy.
But with more access, comes some risk.
“I have concerns about people having more significant hearing loss than they’re treating,” Dr. Mercer said.
She explained unlike your glasses, hearing aids don’t stay the same, they fade. But most people don’t notice.
“That’s the other thing that we’re worried about … because if we don’t do an actual examination, a real examination of the system from out to in, we are really missing the medical part of what could be wrong,” Dr. Major said.
Both doctors said there are other reasons for hearing loss.
“I have concerns that people will have ear infections and they’re not hearing well, so they wear a hearing aid. They have wax in their ears, it’s blocking the path of the sound to get in. They could have a tumor. There are lots of things that could happen that will be missed as the current guideline doesn’t require a professional hearing test,” Dr. Mercer said.
There’s also the chance of not using the hearing aid properly or using the wrong kind.
“You can’t do your own hearing test, you can’t,” Dr. Major said.
Dr. Major said the perception of our own hearing loss is not very accurate, and sometimes you need a device tailored to your needs.
It’s why both doctors encourage you to get a professional hearing test.
“You’re paying for the widget, but you’re paying for service,” Dr. Mercer said.
Although there are some risks with OTC hearing aids, there are major benefits too. With fewer barriers, more people might be inclined to take that first step and get treatment sooner. It will also help regulate current online sales of hearing aids.
Dr. Major said they’ve already started to see younger patients seek treatment as technology evolves.
Current devices can double as cell phones, block wind while golfing and even translate.
The FDA’s latest move could potentially open the market to even less costly and more innovative designs.
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