display of various hearing aids

Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids have been available directly to consumers without a prescription since October 2022. They are designed for adults with self-perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. This page provides a selection of resources to help provide clarity and understanding for anyone with questions about this still-new product category.

HLAA is also presenting a series of four webinars on this topic, underwritten by a grant from the Consumer Technology Association Foundation. The first in our OTC 101: Ask the Experts Webinar Series was held on November 1, featuring a panel of experts and audiologists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who were involved in developing the over-the-counter hearing aids rule.

Watch the first OTC 101: Ask the Experts Webinar
FDA Panel, November 1, 2023 

view the recording

What’s Your Hearing Health Experience?

TAKE OUR OTC SURVEY

Could OTC Hearing Aids Help You?

Check our Tip Sheet First

Purchasing an OTC Hearing Aid?

Use HLAA’s Shopping Checklist

OTC Guidance from the FDA

FDA OTC Hearing Aid guide

HLAA advocated for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) OTC rule to include consumer protections, including:

  • Clearly-stated return policy
  • Clear package labeling on cellphone connectivity

More about FDA labels

Additional OTC Hearing Aid Resources
 

Online Hearing Tests Guide – National Council on Aging

HearAdvisor 2023 OTC Hearing Aid Winners 

Hearing Tracker OTC Hearing Aid comparison

New York Times 2023 OTC Hearing Aid reviews

These resources are presented for information only and do not imply endorsement of any product by Hearing Loss Association of America.

OTC Hearing Aid Media Coverage


HLAA and OTC in the News 

HLAA One-Year OTC Anniversary Press Release (October 12, 2023)

HLAA Press Release on FDA OTC Ruling (August 16, 2022)

New York Times on OTC One-Year Anniversary

Forbes OTC Hearing Aids 12-Month Takeaways