The Food and Drug Administration has cleared the way for the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids, making it possible for consumers to purchase these instruments without medical exams or fittings as soon as this fall. It will likely mean cost savings, but what should those with hearing issues know before buying?
Dr. Cindy Hogan, chair of the Division of Audiology and director of the Mayo Clinic Hearing Aid Program, says this move should help improve access.
"A lot of people live in rural areas or areas where they don't have any specialists who might be specialized in ears or hearing. And this is going to bring them more access because we know that a lot of rural communities have drugstores or stores where these over-the-counter devices might be sold," says Dr. Hogan.
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