November 17, 2025

There are many kinds of over-the-counter hearing aids on the market, ranging from inexpensive hand-held amplifiers to self-fit devices that can be calibrated to your amplification needs with a smartphone app.

These hearing aids, which can be purchased online or in pharmacies, can improve communication and quality of life for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are generally less expensive, but also generally less precisely fitted to your needs, than prescription hearing aids.

Otolaryngologist Carrie Nieman with the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery studies disparities in hearing health, and works to make hearing care as affordable and accessible as possible. She’s also on the board of the Hearing Loss Association of America, which provides consumer advocacy and information for individuals with hearing loss.

Below, Nieman answers common questions about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids:

How do I know if I’m a candidate for OTC hearing aids?

These devices are intended for adults who experience one or more of the following:

• Have noticed gradual changes in hearing.
• Perceive themselves to have mild to moderate hearing loss.
• Have hearing loss that is about the same in both ears.

They are not for people with clear medical issues such as a sudden change in their hearing, fluid draining from the ear, dizziness, or a big difference in hearing between one ear and the other. People with those symptoms should see a physician for diagnosis and treatment.

What are some things to consider when shopping for OTC hearing aids?

There are a number of things to ask yourself:

• Most importantly, do the hearing aids feel comfortable and secure in your ears?
• Do you have a smartphone, and are you comfortable with technology?
• Are you able to download an app and connect your device with a short-range wireless connection?
• Think about the size of the buttons on your smartphone, and whether you need to push a button on the device to change the volume versus interacting with an app. (Pushing small buttons can be harder for older adults.)
• Do you prefer rechargeable devices or ones that run on batteries? Options exist for both.

This shopping checklist from the Hearing Loss Association of America is a good resource.

What is the current state of the OTC hearing aid market?

Consumer devices have been available for decades now, often labeled as personal sound amplifying products. They can be as simple as a handheld amplifier that connects to headphones, which can be an easy and affordable option for some.

A law enacted in 2022 gave the Food and Drug Administration approval to expand OTC options to include self-fit or air conduction hearing aids — which amplify sounds before they reach the middle ear. These are now available without prescriptions or fittings, provided they meet certain requirements such as having volume controls and clear labeling. That created a lot more clarity about what devices are out there and what standards they’re expected to meet.

What are the differences between an OTC hearing aid and a prescription one?

There are clear differences, so it’s important to consider your hearing needs.

What kinds of OTC hearing aids are available?

Self-fit OTC hearing aids pair with a smartphone app that uses a hearing test to adjust the amplification to your needs.

Other devices, including eyeglasses that also function as hearing aids or earbuds with hearing aid modes, may have a few predetermined settings but are less nuanced in their programming abilities.

Any advice for getting used to the device after purchase?

Obviously, if it’s uncomfortable or painful, that’s not appropriate and it should be returned.

Most people need time to get used to a device. The only way to decide if it’s right for you is to commit to using it on a regular basis and in different environments for several weeks before weighing in. It’s important to make sure your device has a good return policy.

It’s also helpful to follow good communication strategies with hearing loss, like turning down background noise, getting face to face for conversations, not screaming across a room, and choosing quieter spots in restaurants.