All the information on the Internet is over whelming, where do I start?

Starting is always the biggest and hardest step to better hearing. A quick phone call to our office, (831) 498-9890, is the best place to start. One of our licensed hearing aid dispensers can answer any questions you might have and help guide you through the seemingly endless sea of information in order to help solve your hearing problems in the best way possible.

Why can't I buy the hearing aids directly from your website?

The simple answer - buying a hearing aid online that is not fit specifically to your hearing loss or your lifestyle, would be a waste of your time and money. The only way to fit a hearing aid correctly is to sit down with a licensed hearing aid dispenser in a face-to-face environment, and have them work with you one-on-one.

How long are the batteries supposed to last and how expensive are they?

The battery life will depend on a few factors, the size/type of battery (there are four sizes; 10, 312, 13, and 675), the hearing aid manufacturer, and the degree of hearing loss you have. Batteries can range in price, but we offer discount hearing aid batteries to everyone!

What type of warranty do your hearing aids have?

All of our hearing aids come with factory warranties. Most warranties are going to range from 1 year to 3 years. This typically includes a loss and damage insurance coverage as well. Usually the warranty length depends on the model; the more expensive the model, the longer the warranty. We also sell extended warranties if you want extra peace of mind.

Do I need two hearing aids or can I just use one?

If you have a hearing loss in two ears, you need help times two. If you have loss in one ear or one ear is un-aid-able, then you use one. If you have a loss in both ears and think you can get away with only wearing one hearing aid to get similar results, you are wrong. There will be a significant benefit with wearing two hearing aids versus one hearing aid when both ears have loss - especially with clarity of speech.

Do I sleep with them in?

Most hearing aids can be worn during sleep, but often you will take them out for the night.

Can I swim or bathe with them in?

There are a few hearing aids you can get wet, but even with those we recommend taking them out when excessive moisture or water exposure is inevitable, as a precaution.

How long do hearing aids last?

All of our hearing aids are fully digital and can be reprogrammed for a new loss anytime. This keeps them in proper alignment and performing as they should with accordance to your hearing loss needs. However the physical electronics usually last up to ten years, with proper care, but budget and plan to replace them every 6 - 7 years.

Why do hearing aids cost so much?

The answer is simple: technology + tiny size + great patient care = $$. Hearing aids are a mixture of amazing technology and a hearing health provider's attention to detail. With both, you’ll be hearing much better and enjoying life to its fullest!

OTC Hearing Aids - are they right for you?

Name: The Listening Stack
Address: 1535 Seabright Ave. Ste. 100, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, US
Telephone: (831) 498-9890

September 06, 2022

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids – Are They Right for You?

--- For additional information on OTC hearing aids click here or call (831) 498-9890 ---

We are hearing a lot about over-the-counter OTC hearing aids now being available, but are they right for you? What are your choices? Who are they intended for and what are the key differences between OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids? And, why did the FDA feel the need for OTC options?

First, let’s clarify that OTC hearing aids, effective October 2022, will be available for purchase online or over-the-counter in many stores. A purchase will not require a hearing test or a prescription, but they are not the same as a prescription hearing aid. Prescription hearing aids are provided through a licensed hearing instrument specialist or a licensed audiologist and offer a range of choices and prices as well as the ability to customize to your modern life needs.

Why did the FDA want OTC options? The most important aspect of the FDA ruling was to encourage people to address their hearing loss and in doing so, it is believed that they will live healthier and more robust lives. Hearing loss has been linked to increased health issues such as the onset of cognitive decline, isolation, loneliness and depression.

Several articles discuss OTC hearing aids and the recent FDA ruling on August 16, 2022. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration cites the FDA news release on the final rule for Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-historic-rule-enabling-access-over-counter-hearing-aids-millions-americans

The ruling is an effort to provide individuals with hearing loss with more affordable choices of solutions for their needs by establishing a new category of OTC hearing aids. The big question is: would OTC hearing aids be right for you?

The news release states “The OTC category established in this final rule applies to certain air-conduction hearing aids intended for people 18 years of age and older who have perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment. Hearing aids that do not meet the requirements for the OTC category (for example, because they are intended for severe hearing impairment or users younger than age 18) are prescription devices.”

Actually, there have been options for the consumer for many years as amplifiers – that’s what they do – amplify the sounds around you to help you hear better in some circumstances. One might say that the first “amplifier” was the ear trumpet in the 1800’s, but the technology has changed significantly from those days! Personal sound amplification products (PSAP’s) are now distinguished from over the counter hearing aids and prescription hearing aids as both prescription and over the counter hearing aids are regulated as medical devices for those with hearing loss. PSAP’s are typically for those individuals with normal hearing, but who might wish amplified sounds in situations like bird watching, or other hobbies.

With the FDC creating a new category of OTC hearing aids (August 2022 to be effective October 2022), consumers need to be aware of some key differences between OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids.

The Healthy Hearing website has an article dated August 16, 2022 by Temma Ehrenfeld which suggests six key differences to consider. https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53233-Otc-hearing-aids-over-the-counter-devices

Here is a brief discussion of those six critical areas discussed in the article:

What are the differences in the diagnosis and testing to determine the consumer’s hearing loss?

For prescription hearing aids, the licensed audiologist or licensed hearing instrument specialist has the advanced testing and diagnostic tools, plus extensive training, to determine the consumer’s level of hearing loss.

For OTC aids, the consumer has to “perceive” the extent of their loss in order to make the choice of product – a primary difference!

What degree of hearing loss is appropriate for each option?

Prescription hearing aids are typically best for mild to severe hearing loss.

OTC aids are primarily for those with “self-perceived” mild to moderate hearing loss.

Once a choice is made who fits the aids for the consumer?

For prescription hearing aids, a licensed audiologist or licensed hearing instrument specialist will provide knowledgeable guidance and a guaranteed fit.

OTC aids are “self-fit” and dependent upon the consumer and their choice of product.

What are the consumers’ choices once a hearing loss is established or perceived?

For prescription hearing aids, there is a full range of options and designs and includes customized choices.

OTC aids are typically limited in choice and often present a “one-size-fits-most” perspective.

What are the cost differences?

Prescription aids typically vary in costs from 1k to 7k

OTC aids would typically be under 2k

Who is the intended user of each hearing aid choice?

Prescription aids are intended for any age and any medical condition.

OTC aids are only for those consumers who are 18 years plus in age and without complex ear conditions – the article stresses that this is important – see below:

“According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, if you have any of the following health conditions a prescription hearing aid fit by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist will work better for you:”

Unilateral (one-sided hearing loss)
Sudden recent hearing loss
Ringing, roaring or beeping in one or both ears
Take or have taken medication known to cause hearing loss
Have a history of chemotherapy or radiation in head/neck area
Have constant pain in ears
Have frequent dizziness

Also noted in the article was the question of “what are the chances of being satisfied with an OTC hearing aid?

“A recent study showed that "premium" prescription hearing aids have the highest user satisfaction. This preference stemmed from factors related to comfort, specifically how the hearing aids processed background noise and how well the study participants could hear speech in a group setting. Because of the cost of the technology to develop these features, OTC hearing aids are unlikely to be as sophisticated.”

The article also cites studies where the “input of (a) knowledgeable provider is invaluable.”

The Listening Stack is available at two locations, one in Santa Cruz and one if Watsonville, to help you address your hearing health needs and offers a trained and licensed hearing instrument specialist as well as advanced tools to assist in determining your best options.

If you would like to know more about over the counter hearing aids or receive a hearing test to determine your hearing loss, please call us at (831) 498-9890 for a free consultation.

We look forward to helping you make the right choice so you can live a healthier life with better hearing!

Also in Hearing Loss

Discovery of New Neurons in the Inner Ear

February 21, 2020

Working from the knowledge that sound reaching the inner ear is converted into electrical signals relayed to the brain by the ear’s nerve cells in the cochlea, researchers discovered that the cells named type 1 and type 2 neurons, with type 1 transmitting auditory information, were much more complicated than previously known.

Tinnitus And Ear Plugs: What You Should Know

September 16, 2019

Tinnitus is a health condition that impacts approximately 15% of the population. People with tinnitus experience a persistent ringing in their ears, or constantly feel as though they are being exposed to noise. The condition can be very debilitating and can even keep people from sleeping peacefully at night.

The Mechanical Ear System Explored

June 10, 2019

The researchers determined that “the way the gel membrane gives our hearing its extreme sensitivity has to do with the size, stiffness, and distribution of nanoscale pores in that membrane, and the way those nanopores control the movement of water with the gel.”

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