Based on new FDA regulations passed in 2022, a category of hearing aids can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) without medical referral. These hearing aids are for improving adult hearing loss in the mild to moderate range.

Hearing aids vary in style by type, BTE or ITE, the way they fit in the ear, sound features, device controls, wireless control through apps, Bluetooth phone/audio streaming, battery power (rechargeable or replacements), and storage cases with all these features dependent on price.

OTC hearing aids provide amplification to improve hearing for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. A hearing test will determine if your hearing loss is within this range. These devices are designed to help you hear better in certain situations, such as watching TV, listening to music, conversations, or in noisy environments (restaurants). If your hearing loss is more severe, you should consult with a hearing professional to determine an appropriate course of action.

It can take time to get used to hearing aids when you first start wearing them. You need time to adjust to the new sounds and the way they are amplified. The sound quality may initially seem different from what you're used to. Sounds may seem too loud or too sharp, and you may hear background noise more than before. It takes time for your brain to adjust to the new sounds provided by the hearing aids.

The 2 main types of hearing aids are Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE)

Behind The Ear (BTE): The BTE hearing aid is the most popular type. It can incorporate the broadest range of features, its size makes it easy to use and control, and is fairly discrete positioned behind the ear. It is designed to hook over the top of the ear, with a small case resting behind it. A tube connects to an earpiece that fits in the ear canal. The earpiece can either contain a small speaker (wired digital) or hearing amplifier. 

In-The-Ear (ITE): The ITE hearing aid represents a design that is more discrete and less visible than the BTE style. The device fits in the bowl shaped area of the outer ear similar to ear buds and generally not visible from a face-on perspective. Due to its small size, it allows for fewer features than BTE styles. Its size can make it a bit fussy to fit in ear and manipulate controls. However, advanced models feature finger tip controls, or app controls. Due to ear shape, some people have difficulty keeping device in place

The Completely-In-Canal (CIC) style is a variation of ITE that fits partly in the ear canal. It is one of the smallest and least visible device, and is typified by a short tether used to facilitate removal of the device. Its small size limits the features and controls that can be offered and makes it the most difficult to manipulate.

There are a broad range of different features that are available with hearing aids. However, many of these features will be determined and limited by the type of hearing aid you select. More importantly, price will be a determining factor relating to many of the features. For example, a rechargeable battery feature could cost hundreds more than the same version with replaceable batteries, or an App controlled device will cost more than the same style with manual controls.

• Noise reduction-special noise reduction programs built into device that work to reduce and minimize noise.
• Directional microphones-provide options to control and focus direction of sound reception. (surround sound versus narrow band)
• Rechargeable batteries-lithium batteries and magnetic charging cases for devices
• Synchronization-Left and Right hearing aids are synchronized so adjustments to volume or program function together 
• Blue Tooth-wireless capability to integrate with cell phones and/or music devices so they can be listened through the hearing aid
• App Controls-wirelessly connects to cell phone to allow control of functions and programs through a company supported App. Devices will work without the app.
• Environment Sound Modes-stores pre-programmed selections that optimize sound profile for different listening needs and environments (TV, music, loud interior, outdoor environs)

In selecting the hearing aid with the features and type that fit your needs, you'll have to balance this with the cost related to that device.

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