Last week, the FDA ruled that hearing aids can be sold over-the-counter (OTC).
This will bring hearing improvements to millions who previously could not afford medical-grade hearing aids.
“OTCs may also increase awareness of how important it is to take care of your hearing health.”
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Buy Direct
The newfinal ruleresults from bipartisan legislation that began in 2017.
This change has the potential to make a huge difference to millions of people.
That awareness could really be the most important part.
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These products will unlikely be a substitute for the prescription caliber technologies," says Gans.
High Tech
There are other advantages of getting consumer tech companies involved.
One is that it should drive prices down, thanks to competition.
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Another is that there is a higher bar, expectation-wise.
AirPods already do noise-cancellation, faux-3D surround sound, and can announce your incoming messages and notifications.
This is especially important since hearing aids are not covered by health insurance,Dr.
Barbara Shinn-Cunningham, Director of the Neuroscience Institute atCarnegie Mellon University, told Lifewire via email.
And properly-fitted hearing aids dont need to be expensive.
