Watch Ann talk about Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids.

“New” Over the Counter Hearing Aids – Nothing “New!”

CONSUMER ALERT:

Exercise extreme caution when purchasing direct-to-consumer hearing products over-the-counter (OTC) or online.

The Attorney General’s office urges that consumers cautiously consider the following Do’s & Don’ts before purchasing an OTC hearing device or online:

DO's

DONT's

Get a professional hearing test from our audiologists to know your degree of hearing loss and reduce the potential of increased future hearing loss.

Don’t purchase hearing aids online or over-the-counter without consulting our audiologists.

Consult with our audiologist before buying hearing aids to ensure you are using the correct technology for your specific hearing loss.

Never rely on online hearing screenings to diagnose hearing loss. Seek professional guidance to correctly diagnose your hearing loss and prescribe the correct best solution.

Research your options and know what is safe for you. Seek the help of our audiologists to maximize your potential.

It is unrealistic to expect the same quality care that you receive from our audiologists.

Have questions about your hearing health? Reach out to our team of professionals at 949-667-9818. We would be happy to schedule a FREE consultation to discuss your options and help determine what is right for you.

“New” Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids – Nothing “New!”

There’s been a lot of news lately about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids as approved by the federal government, and what a “good thing” this is for consumers.

But like the old saying, the devil is in the details. OTC hearing aids have been around for about 20 years. President Trump signed the OTC bill over 5 years ago, now the FDA is just “finalizing” the details under the Biden Administration. So, what affect will this have on you, a current hearing aid user – probably none. Why? OTC devices are like “peeper glasses” to help with the first signs of needing help. They are not made for people with significant hearing loss, rather they are to encourage people to get started with hearing help. OTC aids are purchased in stores which require:

  • Self-referral
  • Self-diagnosis
  • Self-selection
  • Self-fitting
  • Self-adjustment
  • Self-maintenance

Unfortunately, most people under diagnosis their hearing condition. By the time they investigate OTC devices, they are out of their fitting range.

The best place to start is with a comprehensive hearing test from a licensed audiologist. With 6-8 years of education in hearing science, our audiologists can correctly assess and prescribe the correct treatment for your hearing condition. Call us today at 949-667-9818 for a baseline evaluation.

Apple AirPods and the Rise of OTC Hearing Devices: Accessibility and the Roadblocks Ahead

Apple, OTC Hearing Devices, and the Future of Accessible Hearing Care

In recent years, many companies have attempted to enter or capitalize on the growing market for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid devices. With a high revenue potential and an urgent need to make hearing care more affordable and accessible, few have made a lasting impact – until now. Apple, a brand synonymous with innovation and user-centered design, is the latest major player to step into the OTC hearing aid space with a powerful differentiator: brand awareness and mass market access.

Why Apple’s Entry Matters

Apple’s reach in the U.S. is staggering:

  • Over 113 million iPhone users
  • 73% of adults aged 18–34 own smartphones
  • 34% of those smartphones are iPhones
  • 60% of AirPod users are aged 18–25, Apple’s most engaged audience

This built-in user base makes Apple uniquely positioned to scale OTC hearing devices by embedding amplification technology directly into familiar, everyday products like AirPods. However, with their most engaged customer base being so young, you might wonder: is Apple taking a shot at growing its customer base by adding the amplification component?

The Realities of OTC Hearing Aid Devices: What We Know

While the idea of affordable, tech-driven hearing support is appealing, there are persistent issues facing all OTC hearing aids and Apple is no exception.

1. Battery Life Limitations

Many OTC devices suffer from poor battery life, often lasting just 5–6 hours per charge. For users needing consistent amplification throughout the day, frequent recharging becomes frustrating and impractical.

2. Comfort and Fit Issues

Long-term use of devices like AirPods can lead to:

  • Ear fatigue
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Devices fall out during activity, causing damage and frustration
  • Increased ringing (tinnitus) from improper fit or pressure

3. Social Stigma

Adults, especially older adults, often resist wearing earbuds throughout the day. In social settings, AirPods can signal distraction rather than assistive use. The assumption that someone with AirPods is disengaged or listening to something else creates a non-verbal barrier for those genuinely seeking help with hearing.

A Marketing Masterclass: Apple’s Emotional Appeal

Apple is known for emotional, resonant advertising, and their approach to promoting AirPods with amplification is no exception. One standout campaign featured a father hearing his daughter play guitar for the first time. This powerful moment resonated with viewers and evoked the same emotional impact that many hearing aid users experience when using their device for the first time.

However, the emotional storytelling may have overstated the technical capabilities of OTC amplification for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. While awareness is vital, setting realistic expectations is just as critical.

Final Thoughts: Hope and Hurdles

There’s no denying that Apple’s addition of amplification features will increase public awareness of hearing loss and expand accessibility for millions. Yet, the core challenges remain:

  • Ear fatigue
  • Short battery life
  • Limited comfort for daily use
  • Lack of socially acceptable, discreet designs

Until these pain points are addressed across the board, even the most sophisticated devices will face resistance, especially from the very audience they aim to serve.

Apple’s foray into OTC hearing support has the potential to redefine how we think about hearing care. By integrating assistive tech into a device already worn by millions, they may finally bridge the gap between stigma and support. But to truly lead this revolution, Apple, and the OTC hearing market as a whole, must solve the very real issues that continue to hold the category back.

Wondering how to communicate with your patients about the differences between Apple AirPods and true hearing aids? We can help! Reach out to us for more information.

About the Author:

Allison Catlett Gill, Au.D., CCC-A, has clinical interests which include diagnostic evaluation of hearing loss and hearing-related disorders, recommendation and fitting of amplification, and assisted listening devices. Allison most recently was the Director of Audiology and Speech Pathology at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences. Allison is a member of ASHA and the Arkansas Academy of Audiology.