Our Hears to U local Audiology clinic just wrote a blog about Over-the-Counter Hearing aids and we posted it on LinkedIn to share with our peers. Click here to read it on Linkedin.

What is interesting is how many hearing professionals do not think the newly created over-the-counter Hearing aids will work out for the consumer or help them. They are under the belief that you have to have a hearing professional do it all. And although you, the consumer or person who is interested in the Over-the-Counter (OTC) type hearing device, you might just be very successful with what you choose and fit for yourself.

We mostly agree with the general hearing health care providers, that you will be most successful with the product with support from Audiologists and hearing health care providers.

Even people who use smartphones need an occasional bit of help. People often turn to google to ask a question. And my friend, our consumer, this is why we are here for you.  To support you, even if you have to find us on google!  And hopefully, our information will be easy for you to find on google, bing, yelp or whatever search engine you use.  We are constantly sharing information in blogs and soon we will have an audio file that will read the blog for you, while you stream from your new hearing devices. We also have social media channels to help you and support you.

Please feel free to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. We will help you find local support in a state near you! Someone you can trust as we will do the background check for you.

We will find that hearing care professional that agrees with this movement so that you will be supported in your endeavors to save some money and get what you need.

We also want to help guide you to the appropriate Over-the-Counter Hearing aid.

It is estimated that there will be 100s of products out there and how do you know which products that are good and which might hurt your ears more.  What features do these OTC hearing aids have?  Are the features you want or need?  Is it appropriate for your hearing needs?  So many questions.

I understand they won’t be expensive.

But isn’t that a relative statement?  What is expensive for one of us might not be for someone else.  And also perhaps you don’t want to spend a lot of money on something that isn’t bothering you, but you heard that getting a little bit of hearing help is good for you, for your brain. That is true.  This is a fun puzzle that we are good at and will help you find what you want and need.

Here are other concerns some hearing health care professionals worry about.

They worry that if you try a product over-the-Counter, and you hate it and it doesn’t work, you will not do anything about it and walk around not hearing.  Well, I suppose that some people might do that and think that if they buy an inexpensive basic solution and that doesn’t work, nothing will work.  I think more likely, what people will think is that “you get what you pay for” or that a professional needs to be consulted.  And again my friends, our consumers, and patients, that is why we are here. We want you to not give up and so we will counsel you on realistic expectations if you so ask! We hope to never sell you something that won’t work for you.  And if we do, within a reasonable time of you testing it, we plan on taking it back.

Accessibility makes it easy to embrace better Hearing.

When you live in the city, accessibility is easier as just around the next corner, you may have a warehouse or a hospital or clinic that can provide you with a hearing test and hearing aids.  Many people live in rural areas and it is harder for them to get to the cities.  IF that is your case, you will love our new store as we offer access to rural areas and find support however we can get it to you.  I was thinking about it a few weeks ago and perhaps for the right cost, someone from our team might take a little road trip to you.   We have to charge for the fancy support as all we have is our time and expertise.

The product stands alone.

Our website will offer videos and support with blogs and a customer chat area that we call our “Forum”.  However, if you need more support, like wax removal, hearing tests, counseling, technical support, and know-how, we at Hears to U and other hearing professionals around the United States are here for “brick-and-mortar” service.   We know that you will all understand that service has to be paid for so we can stay helping you.  Think about all the service industries, like chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapists, doctors, dentists, and even mechanics all charge for their time.  Sometimes health care insurance will pay and well, sometimes sadly it doesn’t pay.

Thank you for letting us help you and find that Over-the-Counter Hearing aid for you.  Cheers!