Navigating Through the Noise: OTC Hearing Aid Costs

Navigating Through Noise: OTC Hearing Aid Costs

Around 48 million Americans experience hearing loss. Sure, it is easy to assume that hearing loss only affects older people.Hearing loss is indeed more common among older Americans. Nearly half of those over the age of 75 have trouble hearing. But auditory loss affects people of all ages!

• 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears
• 14% of people between the ages of 20-69 have hearing loss

Hearing loss is more than just mildly annoying. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, “Hearing loss has been shown to negatively impact nearly every dimension of the human experience, including physical health, emotional and mental health, perceptions of mental acuity, social skills, family relationships, and self-esteem, as well as work and school performance."

Factors of Hearing Impairment

A variety of  factors cause hearing impairment. They range from:

• Genetics
• Exposure to loud noises over long periods
• Aging
• Damage to the inner ear
• Excessive earwax
• Tumors or infections

Unfortunately, there is no way to  restore most types of hearing loss. But the right treatments and products can improve one’s quality of life.  Treatments can include earwax removal, medications, and surgery. 

But for most people, hearing loss can not be fixed, only navigated around. For those, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are a practical, affordable, and comfortable solution. They’re safe too. The FDA  still regulates OTC hearing aids.

The recommended OTC hearing aid will vary depending on the causes behind one’s hearing loss will vary.  Sontro® OTC Hearing Aids work for most adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

For most people, the model and brand they choose, whether they purchase from Soundwave Hearing or another retailer, boils down to one significant factor - the cost of hearing aids. Identifying the cost of hearing aids can significantly influence anyone’s decision to purchase them.

A Guide to OTC Hearing Aid Costs

Because most health insurance providers and Medicare do  not typically cover the cost of hearing aids, many Americans have unnecessary hearing loss. But times are changing! In October 2022, changes to the law had a significant effect on hearing aid prices. The changes have helped Americans who want to hear better save thousands of dollars annually. The FDA made a historic move to increase the availability of OTC hearing aids to the public.  

We should take a step back. It is essential to know that there are two types of hearing aids – prescription and OTC. 

Prescription hearing aids require that you visit an audiologist. They are best for people who have severe or profound hearing loss.  According to the AARP, they cost about $4,600 per pair. High-end models are priced as high as $12,000. That can be quite an investment for many people.  

OTC hearing aids, however, can be obtained without a hearing exam, prescription, or appointment with a specialist. The average  cost of OTC hearing aids is about $1,000 per pair. They work best for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.

There are also options out there, like  purchasing used hearing aids. People are often tempted to do this because they seem more affordable hearing aids. However, purchasing used hearing aids is rarely ever a positive experience. You may often end up with an inferior product that may not fit your needs. Let’s face it; short-term savings likely delay the inevitable. Used hearing aids don’t typically come with warranties, fit poorly or not at all, and aren’t adjustable. Eventually, you’ll realize that the OTC route is the best way to secure affordable hearing aids.

There’s another hidden statistic related to the cost of hearing aids. Those with unaided hearing loss earn, on  average, $20,000 less annually than those who use hearing aids.

How to Get High Quality But Affordable Hearing Aids 

Sontro OTC Hearing Aids combine the best aspects of prescription hearing aids but in an OTC variety. Our models  are artificially intelligent and entirely customizable to address your hearing issues. And they are affordable hearing aids! We offer  a free online hearing test that you can take from the comfort of your own home. 

When you use our hearing aids with the otoTune® app on your phone, you can customize your hearing aids to adjust to your environment. The Sontro OTC Hearing Aids use directional microphones and advanced technology to determine where sounds are coming from. The technology makes soft sounds louder and loud sounds more comfortable. 

The Sontro OTC Hearing Aids come with assorted sizes of hearing aid domes, so you can find the one that best fits your ear. Our receiver fits most people, but we include a  Receiver Measurement Tool in each package if it doesn't. You can use this tool to measure your ear, then call customer support and we will exchange your receivers for a smaller or larger size. 

Like you, we realized the cost of hearing aids was too high. We accept credit cards and offer interest-free payment plans. Don’t let the cost of hearing aids stop you from living your best life. Contact Soundwave Hearing today to see how our Sontro OTC hearing aids can help you or your loved one!