AUDIALnet OTC Hearing Aid Overview

Based on recent FDA approval, select hearing aids can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC) without prescriptions or medical assistance. These hearing aids are for improving adult hearing loss in the mild to moderate range. They are designed to be self-fitting and self-adjusting, although some brands provide online support.

How They Work: Most hearing aids are technically designed to work in a similar fashion.They collect sound from the surrounding environment and make them louder. The hearing aids are generally small digital devices engineered with microphone/receivers for collecting the sound, microchips for converting and amplifying the sound, small speakers for delivering the sound and battery to power the device. The device computer chips collect, adjust and amplify the sound. More sophisticated devices will feature the ability to analyze sound and adjust for excess noise, compensate for ambient and environmental differences, provide sound direction adjustments, and wirelessly work with Blue Tooth devices, such as cell phones and music devices.

Hearing aids vary in style by type, the way they fit in the ear, sound features, device controls, wireless control through apps, battery power (rechargeable or replacements), storage cases with all these variations often dependent on price. And to further complicate this, technology is continually finding ways to further miniaturize the devices and integrate more sophisticated features.

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 in that it represents the majority of devices in use. 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 and sits 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. 

  • Larger design than ITE styles
  • Designed with multiple microphone
  • Provide more amplification than ITE models
  • Susceptible to wind noise
  • Broad range of features

In-The-Ear (ITE): The ITE hearing aid represents a design that is more discrete and less visible than the BTE style. It fits in the bowl shaped area of the outer ear and generally not visible from a face-on perspective.

  • Fewer features than BTE due to its small size
  • Size can make it a bit fussy to fit in ear and manipulate controls
  • Due to ear shape, some people have difficulty keeping device in place
  • Susceptible to earwax clogging the speaker
  • The completely-in-canal (CIC) 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. Its small size also makes it the most difficult to manipulate.

Range of Features: 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.

  • Noise reduction-special noise reduction programs built into device
  • Directional microphones-allow for more options to control and focus direction of sound reception. (surround sound versus narrow band)
  • Rechargeable batteries-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
  • Remote Controls-wirelessly uses separate device or connects to cell phone to control functions and programs through an App
  • Variable Programming-stores several pre-programmed selections 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. Additionally, consider if the hearing aid company offers a Return Policy and Warranty. Visit  the Audial hearing aid store to shop a selection of top rated OTC Hearing Aids, and low cost, affordable options.