Before you buy: 5 key questions about OTC hearing aids

Before you buy: 5 key questions about OTC hearing aids

For many adults, hearing challenges can make conversations, restaurants, or phone calls more difficult to follow. These difficulties often increase with age, as hearing loss becomes more common over time. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, around 5% of adults ages 45 to 54 experience disabling hearing loss, increasing to 10% among those 55 to 64. The prevalence continues to rise with age, affecting about 22% of adults 65 to 74 and more than half of those 75 and older.

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids offer a potential option for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss to access amplification without a prescription or clinic visit. According to the Journal of Hearing Science, research suggests that using hearing devices earlier may help maintain clarity in speech perception over time.

This article from Ceretone outlines five key questions to consider when evaluating OTC hearing aids.

Are OTC devices appropriate for your type of hearing loss?

OTC devices are intended for adults with self-perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, such as difficulty following conversations in noisy environments while understanding speech in quiet settings. Sudden hearing loss, ear pain or drainage, dizziness, or hearing loss in only one ear may indicate the need for a professional evaluation first.

Screening tools such as the Hearing Handicap Inventory or the Consumer Ear Disease Risk Assessment can provide a sense of hearing ability before committing to a device.

Comprehensive testing by an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat specialist remains the most accurate way to determine hearing levels. Some OTC devices offer online hearing checks, which can provide useful insights and serve as a convenient first step before seeking professional evaluation.

Real-life check

• If you follow one-on-one conversations but lose words in a busy café, OTC models may fit your needs.
• If you can’t catch speech even in a quiet room or struggle to hear loud sounds, prescription-fitting hearing aids are more appropriate.

What level of setup support is required?

OTC hearing aids differ in how they are configured. Some devices allow self-fitting through a smartphone app, which may include a basic hearing assessment. In contrast, others come preset for typical listening environments such as quiet rooms or social gatherings.

Access to support can vary. Some manufacturers provide guidance from trained representatives, and local audiologists may offer assistance for a fee. Trial or return periods give time to assess how a device performs in real-life situations.

Evaluating these configuration and support differences helps users understand which models align best with their everyday hearing needs.

Real-life check

• Prefer a simple, ready-to-wear setup? Look for hearing aids with built-in presets for daily situations like restaurants or outdoor settings.
• Comfortable with smartphones? App-based self-fitting models let you personalize sound more precisely.

Which features address daily listening challenges?

Device selection should reflect the environments and situations where hearing matters most. In-the-ear models are discreet, while behind-the-ear devices can be easier to handle and may manage background noise more effectively. Noise reduction, directional microphones, and adjustable listening modes can improve clarity in challenging settings. A proper ear tip fit also enhances comfort and helps sound feel more natural.

When evaluating features, think about the settings you encounter most often.

Real-life check

• LIke being out and about in lively restaurants or social gatherings? Go for hearing aids designed to make voices stand out and background noise fade away.
• Prefer calm, quiet environments? Pick models that keep sound soft, balanced, and true to life.

How does battery performance affect daily use?

Battery life varies among devices. Rechargeable hearing aids typically provide a full day of use, and some include charging cases that allow multiple recharges over several days.

Devices with battery indicators can help keep track of remaining charge, reducing interruptions in daily use.

Real-life check

• Travel often or forget to charge devices regularly? Opt for rechargeable systems with multi-day power cases to reduce interruptions on the go.

What protections and cost considerations are available?

Trial and return periods allow users to assess comfort, fit, and performance. Manufacturer warranties typically cover defects for at least one year. OTC devices range widely in price, from basic preset models to more feature-rich or self-fitting devices. A higher price does not always mean better suitability; focusing on features that match individual hearing needs and lifestyle can be more helpful.

Real-life check

• During your trial period, jot down when the sound feels unclear or uncomfortable and note battery performance. Use this feedback to adjust tips, switch modes, or exchange models before the return window closes.

If you've recently purchased a hearing aid, it takes two to three weeks to evaluate whether you made the right choice

• Days 1–3: Wear at home a few hours daily. Practice volume and mode changes. Note any “echoey” sounds and try different tips for comfort.
• Days 4–7: Add tougher settings—restaurant, coffee date with a friend, crowded store. Track where speech still blurs.
• Days 8–14: Fine-tune fit and modes. If clarity still lags, consider a self-fitting adjustment or try a different model while you’re within the return window.
• Any red flags (pain, drainage, sudden changes, dizziness): pause use and contact a clinician.

Bottom line
Match your level of hearing to the right OTC category, pick the setup style you’ll actually use, focus on features that enhance your daily life, make sure the battery covers your lifestyle, and protect yourself with a real trial window. Do that, and conversations start feeling easy again—without a clinic visit or a steep learning curve.

This story was produced by Ceretone and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.