Ask an audiologist: How do I choose OTC hearing aids?

Many people start to notice hearing problems as they get older. And wearing hearing aids could make a big difference. Whether you’re new to the world of hearing aids or you’ve been wearing these devices for a while now, it’s normal to have some questions. In this new series, an expert audiologist at UnitedHealthcare Hearing gives real-world answers to common concerns.

Question

I’m interested in trying over-the-counter hearing aids. How can I choose the right type when I buy them online?

Answer

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids could be a good option if you have perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. You don’t need a prescription, and you don’t need to get a hearing test either. Plus, it’s convenient to order OTC hearing aids online and get them delivered to your home.

I recommend that you use the OTC hearing aid finder on our website. This is a great place to start. You can learn about the different types, styles and support available. You’ll answer a few quick questions to help you choose the right devices for you.

There are two main types of OTC hearing aids:

• Situational use devices are good for someone who just wants to boost hearing in certain noisy situations, like a meeting or a dinner out. Most of these are earbud-style devices. You can pop them in quickly when you need them, then take them out again. They often come with preloaded settings.
   
• All-day wear devices are for people who want to hear better throughout the day, in both quiet and noisy situations. You put them in and can wear them for 14 hours or more. These devices sit behind the ear like a traditional hearing aid, which makes them comfortable to wear all day. They can give you better quality sound, and you are able to customize the settings.

Setting up: You set up both types of OTC devices yourself, typically with an app on your smartphone. The situational devices don’t come with any sort of remote support. But the all-day wear devices do.

We even have telehealth available with some of the all-day hearing aids. You can meet virtually with a hearing specialist to get help setting up your hearing aids or troubleshooting them. When you choose the all-day wear devices, you also get app technologies that are a little bit more sophisticated. 

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Comfort: Sometimes the choice between situational use and all-day use OTC devices is a matter of comfort. You may think you’re only a situational user, yet you don’t really love the feeling of having that earbud-style device in your ear. That’s another thing to consider. It’s a reason some people think about switching from a situational use device to an all-day one.

What to watch out for: I often say that not all OTC hearing aids are created equal. There are $99 OTC hearing aids out there that are not good quality, so I want to make sure people really do their research. You can feel confident that the OTC devices on our site are reviewed and recommended by UnitedHealthcare Hearing experts. One last thing: Be sure you understand what the return policy is before you buy.

(Ready to shop for OTC hearing aids? Use this simple tool to find the right OTC device for you. Start now.)

Meet the expert
Monica Murray, Au.D., is senior director of program development at UnitedHealthcare Hearing and a nationally recognized hearing health expert.

Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

AARP Hearing Solutions is available to all AARP members and does not require a health insurance plan from UnitedHealthcare. The AARP hearing program discount cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions, coupons or hearing aid benefit plans unless noted herein. Products or services that are reimbursable by federal programs including Medicare and Medicaid are not available on a discounted or complimentary basis. AARP commercial member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details. UnitedHealthcare Hearing is provided through UnitedHealthcare, offered to existing members of certain products underwritten or provided by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates to provide specific hearing aid discounts. This is not an insurance nor managed care product, and fees or charges for services in excess of those defined in program materials are the member's responsibility. UnitedHealthcare does not endorse nor guarantee hearing aid products/services available through the hearing program. This program may not be available in all states or for all group sizes. Components subject to change.