The FDA will implement new rule for hearing aids

WEST JORDAN – The FDA has approved a new rule that will allow pharmacies and drugstores to sell hearing aids over-the-counter. And the FDA expects this change may drop the cost of hearing aids drastically.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders says that over 28 million adults in the US would benefit from hearing aids.

Nicole Devilbiss, an audiologist at South Valley Ear Nose and Throat thinks over-the-counter hearing aids will prove to be valuable. They would also provide a more accessible route to treat hearing loss. But she said she also had some concerns.

“Patients don’t need to necessarily have a hearing test or see a medical professional at all to get on the path for this, so I think that it could be a little bit difficult for patients to know if it’s going to be an okay fit for them,” Devilbiss said.

“If you don’t know the severity of your hearing loss, how do you know if an over-the-counter hearing aid could work for you?”

The FDA first proposed the rule over a year ago, and they expect the rule to go into effect later this fall.

Those people with severe hearing loss, and those under the age of 18, will still need a prescription.

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