The FDA has approved the sale of hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss to be sold without a prescription beginning mid-October. LSU Health New Orleans Assistant Professor of Audiology Megan Guidry said the big question is how will individuals know just how bad their hearing is?
“The answer is they wouldn’t. What we have seen in our field is that the average person waits about seven years, from the time they start to feel like they have a hearing loss to actually getting a hearing test,” said Guidry.
Guidry believes access to over-the-counter aids will help and if one’s hearing loss is substantial, they’ll see a professional sooner. She said research shows that those with considerable difficulties need more than just a basic hearing aid, it needs to be adjusted properly.
“Individuals normally are not satisfied with their hearing aids unless they are supported by a hearing healthcare professional,” said Guidry.
While the goal is the make hearing aids more accessible for those without insurance or other barriers, as for reducing cost, Guidry’s not sure yet.
“I don’t think it would ever technically lower the costs of hearing aids that we dispense in our clinics, but it can open the door to have discussions on what are we charging for our services,” said Guidry.
Nearly 25% of those aged 65 to 74 and 50% of those 75 and older have disabling hearing loss.
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