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New over-the-counter hearing aids will be available without a prescription or medical exam as soon as Oct. 17, following a final ruling from the US Food and Drug Administration in August.
These devices will be available online, at pharmacies and in retail stores. Big names like Walgreens, Walmart and Best Buy have already announced plans to carry a selection of products this fall.
The new class of OTC devices — available for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss — will be equipped with the same basic technology as traditional hearing aids but at a fraction of the cost.
Hearing aid devices can cost anywhere from $900 to $4,000 per ear. Many health insurance providers — including traditional Medicare — don’t cover the devices or hearing tests.
The new rule also cuts the red tape plaguing many consumers. Hearing aids are currently only available with a prescription from an audiologist or a hearing health specialist. Multiple appointments are usually required, from consultations to fitting adjustments.
So how are over-the-counter hearing aids different?
Here’s what you need to know.
How Much Will Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Cost?
Over-the-counter hearing aids are just starting to hit store shelves, so it’s hard to say how much they’ll cost. The White House said it anticipates OTC devices will save Americans as much as $3,000 per pair.
Walgreens announced plans recently to start carrying Lexie Lumen hearing aids in stores nationwide starting Oct. 17 for $799.
Consumers will also be able to purchase these hearing aids online through Walgreens Find Care for $39 per month for 24 months ($936 total).
Each pair of hearing aids at Walgreens will also include batteries and accessories as well as a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Walmart also told Reuters it will begin offering over-the-counter hearing aids to adults with mild to moderate hearing impairments without a medical exam starting Oct. 17 — but the major retailer…
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