In 2017, a law was passed that directed the FDA to create a new category of hearing aids, known as Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, for people 18 and older. In October 2021, they proposed rules for the new OTC hearing aids and finalized this process this month, with OTC hearing aids set to hit retail shelves in October 2022. In this article, we’ll discuss what OTC hearing aids are and how they differ from other products such as prescription hearing aids and PSAPs (personal sound amplification product). We’ll also discuss why this is important to the average consumer.
The main goal for hearing aids is to augment people’s current hearing ability, especially when it comes to perceiving and understanding speech. However, it is also important for people to be able to hear these sounds without it being overly loud.
Older hearing aids had issues with amplifying every sound. While wearers could hear softer sounds that they couldn’t before, loud sounds became unbearable and even dangerous to hear as a result of amplifying them too much.
With modern hearing aids, most of them feature software powered by advanced microchips that can compress sound so that quiet sounds are easier to hear while loud sounds do not get any louder. This article will touch briefly on what compression is and why it’s important to have a feature like compression for hearing aid users.
Covid-19 is a serious disease caused by the novel coronavirus. It has spread throughout the globe and infected over half a million people so far. There are some studies that report hearing loss can occur through infection, though it is very rare. Other studies found that people with existing hearing loss have their condition worsen when infected with Covid-19. Recently, some studies report that one of the vaccine side effects include hearing loss, which is usually sudden. However, they found that it is reversible or diminished if treated early and thoroughly. This side effect is also considered very rare.
Hearing is easily one of the most precious abilities we have, so what causes hearing loss? Life without sound is miserable plus very dangerous! Imagine not being able to listen to your favorite song, hear the voices of loved ones, or even an intruder breaking into your home.
We bought these for my 89 year old MAMA BEAR just to SEE the SMILE ON HER FACE was the 🥰 💞 PERFECT reaction of LOVE that it was worth ever penny! Also When my husband got in the truck talked to her in a NORMAL voice and she answered to quickly MADE BOTH THEIR LIFE AWESOME!!! AMAZING AND REASONABLE PRODUCT WITH THIS DISCOUNT HALF OFF!!!!! ONLY $300!!!
Surprised. Figured I would be sending these back like others I have had. Think they are keepers. Received hearing aids, gave them a charge and put them on. Went to eat with neighbors, surprised by how well they worked. Only had them a week and I am sure I will keep them. Only one bad experience. Went out to eat at a restaurant that was very noisy. Had to take them out. If I had ear plugs I would of put them in! So far I would recommend you give them a try.
The first thing I noticed was the ability to hear each source of sound individually. The fireplace is to my right and district.
The TV is to my left and again occupied a different range of my aural levels.
Amazing.
They weigh little and are comfortable for long periods of time.
I find it easier to adjust the on/off switch (or program) when the unit is in my hand and not on my ear. Volume is not an issue.
I do wish it had the recharge case as the B10. Storage and charging in one form and not two.
The price is more than reasonable compared to what else is offered.
Overall I consider the mx-ric a good buy with interesting technological touches to make them five stars.
I've had moderate to severe hearing for quite a few years and have had several different hearing aids. When I received these, and started wearing them, I couldn't believe that I could hear so well. I always had trouble when riding in a car in the back seat. I couldn't hear the folks in the front seat at all. My wife and daughter both talk softly. Well when I put these in , I could hear them both immediately. I've had these since 11-2, and am totally happy with them.
I have worn both cheap and expensive hearing aids for about 4 years. The cheap ones didn't cover the high frequency sounds. Neither did the expensive one. I bought these out of frustration but my expectations were very low. I've only had these for two days but I am hearing sounds that I don't think I've heard for ten years or so. I'm still experimenting with setting, but I think I love them. My audiologist for the single expensive one assured me I would never be able to hear the sounds I'm hearing right now. Surprise!