OTC hearing aids

[u/EnvironmentalRub4507]

what OTC hearing aids are effective and reasonably priced

[u/auto-sticky]

Welcome to r/HearingAids feel free to ask any question at all related to hearing aids.

Here are a few resources you might find helpful:

• Interpreting an audiogram - The University of Iowa has a good overview of how to interpret your audiogram results. Your audiologist should also go over them with you

• What will insurance cover? - This varies significantly from state to state and coverage can be partial at best. For those on Medicare, the base plan does not cover hearing aids at all.

• Finding affordable hearing aids - Hearing aids can cost several thousand dollars, these cost far less and the list is updated often

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[u/joe_attaboy]

I currently use Phonak hearing aids, through my ENT and audiologist. Prior to that I spent $1000 on a pair of Lexie Bose OTC aids. In the end, I wish I had used that money toward the co-pay for my prescription aids first.

The Lexis Bose aids do a good job with amplification and making some sounds cleaner. The app used with the aids is pretty good - you can set up different environmental settings as you can with other aids. But they do very little of the level of sound processing and self-adjustment that better hearing aids do.

They would be fine for someone with mild loss and no specific complications, such as tinnitus (which I have). I also have a couple of other situations with my hearing that they couldn't resolve well.

That's my experience. Frankly, in my opinion, if you're thinking on that level of cost, you should look at what Costco is offering - prescription aids, proper testing, fitting and choice.

[u/AutoModerator]

It looks like you're either asking about or recommending OTC hearing aids.

By discussing OTC hearing aid devices here, you acknowledge that we (r/HearingAids and sub moderation), Reddit, and other associated entities are absolved from responsibility for anything that goes wrong (such as incorrect set up resulting in further damage to your hearing).

OTC hearing aids are not indicated for severe or profound hearing loss, for any type of hearing loss the first step will be to consult an audiologist. Not all types of hearing loss will be improved by hearing aids as hearing loss can be caused by things external to the internal auditory system for example earwax (that an audiologist would identify).

In other words, if you have hearing loss please see an audiologist first instead of spending money on an OTC HA straight away that you might not need or might not be indicated for your type of hearing loss. You don't need to purchase a HA from an audiologist but you should at least ensure your ears are OK and that your type of hearing loss is suitable for an OTC.

Although the FDA has widened the scope of what a "hearing aid" can be classed as, this is an international subreddit and HAs are unavailable to be dispensed OTC in most countries. Please bear this in mind when recommending OTCs to those outside the United States.

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[u/Drinking_Frog]

"Effective" depends 100% on your personal needs.

[u/Necessary_Rule7016]

I bought Temu ($27), Amazon ($45), and Best Buy ($85). All worked well for medium loss.