OTC Hearing Aids
Learn who may benefit from over-the-counter hearing aids, compare common OTC hearing aid styles, and explore available brands.
Am I a Good Candidate?
OTC hearing aids are intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
U.S. FDA lowered the maximum sound output for OTC hearing aids to 111 decibels of sound pressure level (dB SPL) for most devices, and 117 dB SPL for devices with input-controlled compression activated. The FDA lowered the output limit to reduce the risk of hearing damage from over-amplification.
Styles
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
The receiver (speaker) sits inside the ear canal while the main device rests behind the ear, providing a discreet design with natural sound quality and fitting most levels of hearing loss.
In-the-Canal (ITC) / Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
This custom hearing aid fits partly inside the ear canal, making it less visible but generally best suited for users with good manual dexterity.
Earbud
Looks and functions like a standard wireless earbud while providing hearing assistance for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Brands
$700-$2,000
$1,000-$2,000
$300-$1,000
$800-$2,700
$300-$600
$170-$250
$100-$700
$700-$2,500
$400-$600