What is OTC hearing aid？

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved over-the-counter sales of hearing AIDS in 2022. At the same time, the breakthrough of artificial intelligence technology has brought new hope for the improvement of hearing AIDS in noisy environments. First, OTC stands for over-the-counter drugs. This means you can buy hearing AIDS directly from a store or online without having to go to a specialist or hearing care professional in person. This is different from the traditional method of buying a hearing aid, which is usually evaluated by an audiologist who then recommends the right device for you.

   So why has there been a move towards OTC hearing aids? One big reason is cost. Professional medical Hearing aids can be expensive - sometimes thousands of dollars - and insurance doesn't always cover the full amount. By eliminating the need for an evaluation and fitting, OTC hearing aids can be much more affordable for many people.

   That said, there are some potential downsides to OTC hearing aids that you should be aware of. For one, you won't have the same level of guidance and expertise that you would get from working with a professional. You also won't necessarily have access to the latest technology, as certain features may be limited in OTC models.

   Another thing to consider is that not all hearing loss is the same. Depending on the type and severity of your hearing loss, an OTC hearing aid might not be the most effective solution for you. It's always a good idea to get a professional evaluation if you can, in order to ensure that you're getting the right device for your needs.

   It's worth noting that the FDA has recently released new guidelines around OTC hearing aids, which aim to provide some quality control and ensure that these devices are safe and effective. However, these guidelines are still fairly new, and it remains to be seen how they will be implemented and enforced.

   All of this is to say that OTC hearing aids can be a viable option for certain people with certain types of hearing loss. However, it's important to do your research and make an informed decision before making a purchase. Consider your budget, your hearing needs, and your personal preferences in terms of style and features.

   Scientific research is continuously confirming the effectiveness of OTC hearing aids. The article published by Professor Humes of Indiana University in 2017 used rigorous experimental design to eliminate human interference as much as possible, and reached a breakthrough but convincing. Conclusion-OTC hearing aids produce effects similar to those produced by qualified audiologists using high-end equipment.

   In summary, although OTC hearing AIDS are only recently allowed by the FDA to sell such AIDS directly to consumers in stores or online, VOHOM has been developing and producing OTC hearing AIDS for 27 years, and even though they are still accompanied by shortcomings, it is believed that under the constraints of the regulations, OTC can spark unlimited potential.