If you are interested in one stop shopping, then the wonderland known as Walmart is a great place for you. From tires to diapers, from chicken breasts to gardening supplies, Walmart truly has it all. And with the slogan Save Money Live Better, Walmart has been offering their customers a wide variety of goods and services since they were founded in 1962. But just this week they are broadening their mission of offering low prices on quality items to help all of their shoppers live better lives. As of October 17, 2022, Walmart began selling multiple over-the-counter hearing aid products, which just made shopping at Walmart a whole lot more useful. Prices start at $199, and countless people who might otherwise miss out on the helpful amenities of a hearing aid will be served.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Although it may seem like this news is coming out of the blue, the over-the-counter hearing aid bonanza had its beginnings in 2017, after the Over-the Counter Hearing Aid Act was passed. And just this past August 2022, President Joe Biden ensured that the law would be implemented across the nation when he signed an executive order in mid-August, giving the country 120 days to comply with his order.
“Reducing health care costs in America has been a priority of mine since Day One and this rule is expected to help us achieve quality, affordable health care access for millions of Americans in need,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’s action by the FDA represents a significant milestone in making hearing aids more cost-effective and accessible.” People will be able to purchase hearing aid products for mild to moderate problems with an exam, prescription, or trip to the audiologist.
According to an article on Reuters, “Products would start at $200 and will be available at Walmart.com and its vision centers.” This is a huge victory for consumers who are suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss, as before this act was passed, customers had to go to hearing centers and typically spend thousands of dollars on the product. According to White House estimates, the change is expected to save consumers about $2,800 per pair. The executive order signed by Biden will open a whole new auditory world to many, without the need for costly appointments.
How Can You Improve Your Hearing?
Science has come so far in the last several decades when it comes to hearing aids, and Walmart has jumped on the bandwagon of stores that will be offering hearing aids to those who do not have a prescription, beginning in mid October. This is a huge victory for those who are suffering, but are unable to afford a doctor or expensive exam.
With the ability for the average person in America to incorporate the purchase of a hearing aid into their regularly scheduled shopping, Walmart is literally opening up the world for people to be able to hear more effectively. “Of the 38 million people in the U.S. who have self-reported auditory difficulties, only about 20 percent of them use hearing aids,” according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. “Among adults who are 70 and older, that figure is slightly higher at 31.8 percent.”
But if hearing aids are more widely available in stores and online, and they are easier to acquire, then nearly 30 million people could benefit from this positive change.
Where Do Lexie Hearing Aids Come From?
At Walmart, one of the primary hearing aids that consumers would benefit from are the Lexie Hearing Aids. If you are wondering where Lexie Hearing Aids come from, they are created by Lexie Hearing, an accredited Better Business Bureau business that is part of the hearX Group. This is a parent company that is active in the production of screening tools, hearing tests, and other hearing devices.
If you or someone you love is experiencing hearing loss, Lexie produces one hearing aid model, the Lexie Lumen. This behind the ear device is easily adjustable to fit different people who have different hearing profiles. With this device, those with mild to moderate hearing loss can now hear better than ever.
Are Lexie Hearing Aids the Real Deal?
The short answer is yes! A Lexie hearing aid is the real deal, and being able to get the FDA-registered Lexie Lumen Hearing Aid from Walmart just made millions of people’s lives much easier. For people with mild to moderate hearing loss, this over-the-counter choice is a good fit.
And speaking of fit, the Lexie Lumen comes with a variety of tubes and domes, which makes it easy for you to find the perfect fit for your specific needs! It comes with an easy-to-follow guide, so that you can figure out for yourself how to adjust it. One of the best features about the Lexie Lumen is the hearing app you can use to control and adjust settings. This will prove invaluable when you need to adjust the settings, depending on what type of environment you find yourself in. You can also adjust the settings manually on the device itself.
In addition to the hearing app, the dual microphone is an excellent feature that helps you or your loved one to minimize background noise and pick up the sounds that you want to hear. These hearing aids also add Telecoil functionality and Bluetooth features, which use technology to make the world sound clearer. These also allow you to utilize loop systems and phones. This makes communication much easier, whether the person in need is right there or separated from you.
Another special attribute of the Lexie Lumen is that there are six different programs that allow you to adapt the product itself to your particular needs and the environment. These hearing aids provide nano-coating which is perfect for active lifestyles, as well as several noise reduction features. These hearing aids are slim but slightly bigger than others you might find on the market. The five color choices make it easy to find one that fits your lifestyle and personality.
There are many positive features that make it easier to hear for those people who have mild to moderate hearing loss. And the best part about it is that you can get these over-the-counter at your local Walmart. There is certainly something to be said for one-stop shopping! Lexie Care, a free support service, is offered six days a week, and they also offer a one-year warranty on the product.
A few detrimental features to think about are that unfortunately the batteries are not rechargeable, and the battery life tends to be shorter than in other comparable models. But this is a small price to pay for quality hearing.
Are There Extras?
Yes, when you purchase a Lexie Lumen hearing aid, there might be an offer for free accessories at the time you purchase, or you might want to add accessories to your package. Since these over-the-counter products will save you money to start with, you will be able to add the accessories without breaking the bank.
One of the popular extras is the Lexie Hearing aid dryer, which can keep your device free of built-up moisture. This is important because it can extend the lifespan of the hearing aid and make it less likely they will need repairs. Because of its compact nature, it dries quickly. Drying capsules are also helpful.
Another favorite extra is a remote microphone, for those who are in public speaking settings or need to stream from other devices.
Are Walmart Hearing Aids Any Good?
It is important to note that Walmart hearing aids are medical devices and they are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. On the other hand, sound amplifiers are not regulated.
Walmart hearing aids have a lot more features than sound amplifiers, as noted above, and can help mild to moderate problems as well as medical conditions such as tinnitus. Hearing aids are customizable to each person’s needs, with smartphone and Bluetooth technology, directional microphones, and many sound programs for adaptability.
In conclusion, the FDA says it best: “Hearing loss is a critical public health issue that affects the ability of millions of Americans to effectively communicate in their daily social interactions,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Establishing this new regulatory category will allow people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to have convenient access to an array of safe, effective and affordable hearing aids from their neighborhood store or online.” And the most fantastic thing about it is that you can add it to your grocery list!
