As an audiologist, I have seen firsthand how hearing loss can impact a person’s quality of life. Thankfully, the availability of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids has made it easier for people to address their hearing loss. I understand that not everyone wants to see an audiologist to get hearing aids. So Where can you buy OTC hearing aids?
- Online
- Electronic Stores
- Big Box Stores
- Pharmacies
- Local Hearing Aid Clinics
However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to purchase your OTC hearing aids. In this article, we will discuss the best places to buy OTC hearing aids and provide you with some useful information to help you make an informed decision.
I would Buy OTC Hearing Aids Online
When it comes to buying OTC hearing aids online, we recommend buying them directly from the manufacturer’s website. While you may find plenty of reviews on this site and other websites, buying from the original company ensures that you receive a genuine product. It’s important to note that Amazon has a lot of knock-off devices, so we don’t recommend purchasing from there.
When you buy directly from the company, they will also contact you if a product is ever recalled or has any known issues.
Pros/Cons of Buying Hearing Aids Online
Pros:
- Convenience – One of the biggest advantages of buying OTC hearing aids online is convenience. You can shop from the comfort of your home or office at any time of the day or night.
- Wide selection – Another benefit of buying OTC hearing aids online is the wide selection. You can browse many different brands and models, read reviews, and compare prices. Plus you can read my recommendations for hearing aids.
- Competitive pricing – Online retailers often offer competitive pricing, which can help you save money. There are often sales online that don’t get passed down at in-person stores. For instance, Lexie B2 Powered by Boses usually has sales once or twice a month, I put that info on my review when they occur.
- Direct access to manufacturers – When you buy directly from the manufacturer’s website, you have access to the most up-to-date products and technologies. Plus if you are getting a hearing aid with rechargeable batteries you know that the battery is not a year old having been sitting on a shelf.
Cons:
- No personal fitting – One of the biggest downsides to buying OTC hearing aids online is that you don’t get a personal fitting. Without a professional fitting, you risk getting a hearing aid that doesn’t fit properly or doesn’t work well for your specific hearing needs. But that is a risk of an OTC no matter where you purchase it.
- Limited support – Buying OTC hearing aids online also means you have limited support from a hearing healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about your hearing aids, you may have to rely on online support resources.
- Risk of counterfeit products – Some online retailers (especially Amazon) may sell counterfeit or knock-off products that look like the real thing. It’s important to buy from a reputable retailer to avoid getting scammed. Please make sure the device you are purchasing is an FDA approved OTC Hearing Aid.
Electronic Stores
Best Buy is a clear front-runner for OTC hearing aids. They have a dedicated space inside their stores and offer products from popular brands like Eargo, Lucid, Lexie, and Hearing Assist. In addition, they are expected to add more brands like Sony, Nuheara, and Jabra in the future.
Pharmacies and Grocery Store Pharmacies
Major chains like Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart offer OTC hearing aids, but they are often locked behind glass or have display cards that you take up to the pharmacist. Don’t expect the pharmacist or pharmacy tech to have a good understanding of the different product offerings.
Local Hearing Aid Clinics
Some hearing aid clinics may offer OTC options they keep on their shelves or retail through their website. They may even offer OTC hearing aids as an option after having a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Affordability can be an issue for prescriptive-level devices, so OTC options can be a good alternative.
Ultimately, deciding which OTC hearing aid to buy depends on personal preference. While some OTC hearing aids are more expensive than simple amplifiers, convenience and level of service are important factors in deciding where to purchase them.
It’s important to purchase from a reputable company to ensure that you receive a quality product. There is no bad place to purchase OTC hearing aids as long as the brand is reputable.
In conclusion, if you have mild to moderate hearing loss and have been waiting for OTC hearing aids to arrive, don’t hesitate to take action and do something about your hearing loss. With so many options available, it’s easy to find a product that suits your needs and budget.