Over-the-counter hearing aids are designed for cognitively healthy adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who are able to clearly communicate feedback. Someone with mild hearing loss is able to hear some normal-volume speech but is unable to discern what’s being said. Someone with moderate hearing loss can barely hear or cannot hear speech at a normal conversational level. OTCs are only intended for adults not children. Many adults are seeking OTCs due to geographic location, time commitment, and transportation issues.
Financial constraints are another very common concern. Over 50% of those in need of hearing help have zero insurance coverage for hearing aids. The cost of prescription hearing aids varies from around $1,000 to $8000 per pair; the most expensive pair of OTC hearing aids is $6,000, but the average price was closer to $850.
In choosing the best OTC, the top six things you should look for is a) Trial period exceeding 30 days, b) Bluetooth Capabilities, c) 3 yr. warranty including loss/damage, d) adjustable APP to change volume, multiple listening programs, and GPS to locate the hearing aid if lost, e) no interest payment plans for at least 12 months and f) follow-up care.
In Dr. Izzy’s opinion, the best OTC on the market is the Jabra Enhance Select 100 or Select 200 models. These models used to be called Lively Plus and Lively Pro, respectively which is basically a GN Resound product. Both products offer a 100-day trial period, 3-year warranty including L & D, Bluetooth streaming, intuitive app, rechargeability, and multiple sound modes. If you purchase the Premium package, the Jabra Enhance Select 100 costs $1,695 and the Jabra Enhance Select 200 costs $1,995 (with 12- to 36-month payment plans available); the price includes three years of access to follow-up care.
There are several downfalls to selecting any type of OTC, including the Jabra Enhance. First and most importantly, you are taking an “online hearing test” which is not as accurate as being tested in a calibrated Sound Booth. Secondly, there is no bone-conduction testing performed for any online hearing test and the purpose of bone-conduction testing is to rule out any middle ear involvement such as middle ear fluid, TM perforation, middle ear tumor, Otosclerosis, etc. Third, you cannot perform otoscopic examination of the ears online so you could have impacted wax and the online test would not be accurate. In terms of the actual fit of the Jabra product, there are up to 5 different receiver/wire lengths and at least 6 different dome sizes. It is quite likely that the fit of the product will not be optimal unless you actually see a hearing care professional which defeats the purpose of the OTC model. Finally, all of the support is “remote” and quite often this approach is not very effective for the senior population which requires a lot of in person support.
Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to answer your questions about hearing health care. Please feel free to contact our offices at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin).
