The Process For OTC Hearing Aids vs. Prescription Hearing Aids

Written by the Nano Hearing Aids Team
Reviewed for Accuracy by Lindsay Roberts, AuD.

Lindsay Roberts
The Process For OTC Hearing Aids vs. Prescription Hearing Aids

It’s estimated that 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. The good news is hearing aids can be effective at treating many cases of hearing loss. Hearing aids are medical devices that can improve hearing loss and your overall quality of life. If you’re considering purchasing them, you’ll need to decide if over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids or prescription hearing aids are best for you and explore the process for getting them.

Process For Getting OTC Hearing Aids

The process to buy OTC hearing aids is fast and easy. They’re much more affordable than prescription hearing aids and don’t involve any professional testing or exams, saving you money overall. They are also regulated by the FDA and safe to use if you have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.


Determine If You Have Mild To Moderate Hearing Loss:

Determine If You Have Mild To Moderate Hearing Loss: The first step in buying OTC hearing aids is to determine if you have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have difficulty hearing conversations in loud environments, have trouble hearing on the phone, or find yourself turning up the TV volume frequently even when others tell you it’s loud, you might have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. If this applies to you, OTC hearing aids might be a good fit for your needs.

Shop Online or Over the Phone:

Purchasing hearing aids online or over the phone makes it easy to find the best OTC devices for your needs. You don’t need a prescription, hearing test, or visit to the doctor. Simply review the selection of hearing aids for sale, and reach out to customer service if you have any specific questions about the different hearing aid models available. The selection process is typically very straightforward.

Adjust & Enjoy:

After ordering your hearing aids online or over the phone and receiving them in the mail, you can adjust the volume and choose from several different dome sizes for the best fit. It might take several days or weeks for your brain and ears to adjust to wearing a hearing aid, but this is true for all types of hearing aids. Once you’ve adjusted the volume and selected the best dome size for your ears, you can begin wearing them as much as you need. Additionally, Nano OTC hearing aids come with free 24/7 lifetime support, ensuring ongoing assistance and peace of mind.

Process For Getting Prescription Hearing Aids

Prescription hearing aids are intended for those with more severe hearing loss/profound hearing loss and require a visit to the doctor or hearing specialist, which can make them expensive.


Hearing Evaluation

The first step in purchasing a prescription hearing aid is scheduling an appointment with your doctor or hearing professional to have your hearing tested. They will also examine various parts of your ear to make sure there isn’t any physical damage that might be affecting your hearing.

Prescription

If your doctor or hearing professional determines you have severe hearing loss and need hearing aids, they will assist you with purchasing prescription hearing aids.

Fitting

You’ll need to have your hearing aids fit to your ears to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Sometimes this can involve making physical impressions of the ear canal.

Programming

Prescription hearing aids are often programmed and fine-tuned by an audiologist or hearing professional to match your hearing profile. Multiple follow-up appointments might be needed to optimize the settings.

After the hearing aids are programmed, you can begin wearing them daily.


Do I Need OTC Hearing Aids?

Whether you need OTC hearing aids depends on your level of hearing loss. If you have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, and are 18 years old or older, OTC hearing aids could be a great solution for improving your hearing.

You might benefit from OTC hearing aids if: 

  • You have trouble hearing conversations in noisy places
  • Find it difficult to follow conversations and hear people in group settings
  • Have difficulty hearing someone on the phone
  • Feel tired from listening
  • Need to turn up the volume on the TV or radio, even if others say that it’s loud


OTC hearing aids are not intended for those with severe hearing loss. You might benefit from seeing a hearing healthcare professional if you:


  • Have difficulty hearing conversations in quiet places
  • Have trouble hearing loud sounds
  • Read lips

Consider scheduling an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional if you think you might have severe hearing loss. 

OTC hearing aids

Will I Need a Hearing Test To Get an OTC Hearing Aid?

To buy an OTC hearing aid, you won't need a hearing test. You can purchase OTC hearing aids without a prescription or a visit to the doctor, making them more accessible for those with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.

Are OTC Hearing Aids the Same Quality as Prescription Hearing Aids?

Yes, OTC hearing aids are high-quality hearing aids that can help individuals with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Similar to prescription hearing aids, they offer customization options by enabling users to adjust the volume and program settings and choose from various ear dome options for a more personalized fit and comfort. They are much more affordable than prescription hearing aids and extremely convenient to purchase online.

Hearing Loss

OTC Hearing Aids For Perceived Mild To Moderate Hearing Loss

Many people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss have found it beneficial to wear hearing aids that are OTC, as they can be a great solution for improving hearing. These FDA-regulated devices don't need a prescription, hearing exam, or doctor's appointment. You can try them in the comfort of your home, and you can adjust the volume to suit your specific needs. With Nano OTC hearing aids, you simply pick the best dome size for your ears, turn them on, and put them in. Keep in mind it might take several days or weeks for your ears and brain to get used to them, which is why Nano OTC Hearing Aids comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee and free 24/7 lifetime support.

Shop Nano OTC Hearing Aids

Reading next

Cookie Bite Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
7 Things To Know About Hearing Loss