The Associated Press reported this week that the FDA has approved plans for people to buy hearing aids without a prescription. People will no longer need a hearing exam to buy hearing aids, and can purchase them over the counter. People will be able to purchase the devices at pharmacies or go online. These approved devices are for people who have mild to moderate hearing problems. More severe hearing issues will still need a prescription. The FDA says that about 1/5 of 30 million people who need hearing aids use them. The ruling will help those who have Medicare that doesn’t pay for the devices, only the tests to determine hearing loss. The ruling could bring increased competition for over the counter hearing aids. The new rules go into effect in October.
