By Chuck Smith
Guest Columnist

Editor’s Note: Chuck Smith is a licensed hearing care practitioner and owner of Affordable Hearing, with offices in Rochester and Logansport. He specializes in testing and fitting hearing aids, tinnitus therapy, hearing conservation and cerumen management (earwax removal). This is the first of two parts on hearing aids.

Chuck Smith

ROCHESTER — Today, I want to talk about hearing aids. Have you ever heard of someone wearing a little device in their ear to help them hear better? That’s a hearing aid! But did you know there are two different types of hearing aids? Yes, that’s right! There are over-the-counter hearing aids and prescription hearing aids.

But what are the differences?

Let’s start with OTC hearing aids. OTC hearing aids are the type of hearing aids you can buy without a prescription from a doctor or a hearing specialist. They are usually a little less expensive and easier to get because you don’t need to go to the doctor first. Just like you can buy eyeglasses without a prescription, you can buy OTC hearing aids without one, too.

Now, let’s talk about prescription hearing aids. These are the type of hearing aids that you need a prescription from a doctor or a hearing specialist to buy. This is because prescription hearing aids are more powerful and can help with more serious hearing problems. They are also custom-fit and programmed to your ear and your specific prescription of hearing loss, so they are more comfortable and work better for you.

So, what are the differences between OTC and prescription hearing aids? Well, for starters, OTC hearing aids are designed for someone with a “perceived” mild to moderate hearing loss and are less powerful than prescription hearing aids. They are also a little less expensive and don’t need a prescription, which is why some people choose them. But, if you have a more serious hearing problem, struggle to understand in group settings and in background noise, then an OTC hearing aid might not be strong enough to help you hear properly. That’s why prescription hearing aids are a better choice in that case.

Another difference is the level of customization. OTC hearing aids are not customized to your ear or your specific type and degree of hearing loss. They come in different sizes, but they might not fit your ear perfectly. This can make them uncomfortable to wear, and they might not work as well as they should. There is also no state mandated return period and you have no one to help you when you have trouble. On the other hand, prescription hearing aids are custom-fit to your ear and custom programmed to your individual needs. This means they are made to fit your ear perfectly and are much more comfortable to wear.

Prescription hearing aids also have more features and settings than OTC hearing aids. This allows you to adjust the hearing aid to your specific needs. For example, if you have trouble hearing in noisy places, a prescription hearing aid can be set to help you hear better in those situations. OTC hearing aids don’t have these extra features and settings.

Next week, I’ll talk about another important difference between the two types of hearing aids, and which one might be better for you.