Should I Buy an OTC Hearing Device?

An OTC hearing device could be a more cost-effective way to improve your hearing if you fit the products that are on the market. There are many questions to ask before you commit to an OTC vs. an FDA-approved hearing aid.

Who Qualifies for an OTC?

If you experience any degree of hearing loss, then we highly recommend scheduling a hearing assessment to get a professional opinion. Your audiologist can assist you with choosing the right hearing aid based on your specific needs.

Typically, an OTC is suitable for a patient who is just starting to experience hearing loss or is only experiencing it on a minor level. This gives the patient a chance to test out a product to see if it’s the right fit.

If your hearing issues need more attention, then it is advised that you speak to your audiologist to discuss the best option for you. FDA-approved hearing aids fitted by an audiologist and will mitigate any further damage and alleviate current frustrations.

What is the Difference Between an OTC and a Hearing Aid?

A hearing aid is a high-quality, custom-fit OTC. OTCs can be purchased by the patients themselves after self-diagnosis.

This is similar to how glasses are sold. If you have a minor issue and only need help when reading, you can get a pair of reading glasses from your local corner store. If you have trouble seeing 24/7, you must seek professional help and get prescribed glasses to provide a personalized solution.

Wearing the wrong glasses can make your sight worse and incur other health issues such as headaches. The same holds for OTC hearing devices.

How Do I Choose the Right OTC for Me?

OTCs come in many different shapes and sizes and specialize in different hearing issues. To find the one that best suits you, we recommend starting with a hearing assessment.

At Audiology Associates, Inc., we will conduct a comprehensive hearing assessment to identify your specific issue and what to improve. We will recommend the best device that will suit your health and financial situation.

Are OTCs Affordable?

The cost of OTCs overall is affordable as long as we find one that will satisfy your specific hearing requirement. Over the long term, you may end up paying more to replace or upgrade your OTC depending on the progression of your hearing health.

In some cases, your insurance program will cover any costs associated with hearing aids fitted by a doctor of audiology. This will make them much more affordable than OTCs while also providing a higher level of service.

Do OTCs Provide any Follow-up Support?

Most OTCs will have a website or a phone number to call with any problems you experience. If you are having problems with your OTC and cannot get the answers you’re looking for, we encourage anyone to bring in their OTC and let our professionals help you. We are trained to match your hearing issues with the proper solution no matter what.

If you qualify for a hearing aid, our staff will be with you every step of the way to ensure your hearing and overall health are improved.

Does Audiology Associates, Inc. sell OTCs?

We are currently researching specific brands that provide quality service to treat our patients with the utmost care. We may consider offering OTCs in our office available to anyone who needs them in the near future.

If you would like to find out more about the options best suited to you, the best place to start is by scheduling a comprehensive hearing assessment with a doctor of audiology.

Call your local office here to schedule an appointment, or click here to request a callback.

Briana Bruno Holtan, Au.D. , F.A.A.A.

Dr. Bruno Holtan is the co-owner of Audiology Associates, Inc. and received her Master’s degree (M.S.) in Audiology from Towson State University and Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree from the Arizona School of Health Sciences. She hails from Norfolk, Virginia. She grew fond of the Baltimore area due in large part to the late Dr. Craig Johnson, an advocate for autonomy in audiology, when she joined the Audiology Associates, Inc. team in 1997 and was mentored by Dr. Johnson throughout her early career. She has extensive knowledge of and experience in the evaluation and fitting of advanced state-of-the-art hearing aid technologies. Dr. Bruno Holtan uniquely combines this knowledge and experience with the ability to understand patient needs and concerns. She feels that understanding each patient’s life experiences and lifestyle is not only important but is also critical to improving their hearing needs. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Bruno Holtan has served as the Treasurer and President of the Maryland Academy of Audiology. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of audiologists and consumers on both the state and federal legislative fronts. She is co-author of “Institutionalizing Patient’s Freedom of Choice”, a published article in “Audiology Today.” Dr. Bruno Holtan is married. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Golden Retriever, and immediate and extended families. She also enjoys gardening, hiking, and fishing.

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