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Over-the-counter hearing aids, commonly referred to as OTC hearing aids, were recently made available to purchase without a hearing evaluation. While OTC hearing aids are more readily available than prescription devices, they’re not the best choice for everyone.
Dr. J. Douglas Green, founder and president of Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute and board-certified doctors of audiology will hold a free informative discussion “Demystifying Over-The-Counter (OTC) vs. Prescription Hearing Aids, Learn the Signs and Causes of Hearing Loss Lunch and Learn” at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the WJCT Studios, 100 Festival Park Ave.
"A patient receives much better results when hearing aids are fitted properly by a professional audiologist and adjusted to the appropriate tuned pitch based on the patient's hearing test results,” said Green. “OTC hearing aids don't provide that opportunity and patients don’t get the most out of their hearing aids when trying to adjust them themselves."
Studies published in the National Library of Medicine found that 67% of patients reported better hearing when their hearing aid settings were fine-tuned by an audiologist than when done by the patient without the assistance of a professional.
Audiologists are doctorate-level professionals trained to evaluate, diagnose and treat hearing loss. They also counsel individuals about the appropriate care and use of hearing aids, realistic expectations and benefits and risks associated with hearing aids.
With OTC hearing aids, people are responsible for learning how to use and maintain the device on their own. If there are any troubleshooting needs, users must call a toll-free number provided on the device package. Some audiology practices can help with the orientation of the OTC devices, but those will have office visit fees for professional services. While a current hearing test is not required to purchase OTC devices, individuals should still have one done by an audiologist before purchasing OTC hearing aids to determine the cause of any hearing loss and if OTC hearing aids are an appropriate choice.
“It's important that an individual deciding which hearing aid is best for them to consider all options to make an informed decision,” adds Green.
The event is free, but registration for “Demystifying Over-The-Counter (OTC) vs. Prescription Hearing Aids, Learn the Signs and Causes of Hearing Loss Lunch and Learn” is required by April 21 by calling 904-399-0350.
Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute (JHBI) is a medical practice that specializes in improving hearing and balance health through proper diagnosis and advanced treatment options. Established in 1997 by Green, Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute provides comprehensive, top-quality care of the auditory system in adults and children from the ear canal to the brain's cortex.
According to a media release, Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute exists to further the healing ministry of Christ through advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to help patients with hearing, balance and related ear problems in a caring and compassionate environment that is financially sound, efficient and proactive.
Jacksonville Hearing and Balance Institute has more than 25 staff members, including one physician, two physician assistants and five audiologists.
