In the United States alone, nearly 30 million adults live with hearing loss. But here's the thing: Only one-fifth of those who could benefit from hearing aids actually seek help.
One of the main reasons for this is the extremely high price tag for traditional hearing aids. Traditional hearing aids can be quite expensive, with an average price of $4,000 for both ears. Some models even go up to $6,000 per ear! Which is a big financial burden for many.
But it's not just the cost that holds many people back. The process of getting a hearing aid can be a hassle as well. You have to make appointments with an audiologist, which can be an ongoing process for months on end.
Not only that, but there's also the unfortunate stigma associated with wearing hearing aids, with many mistakenly believing that they are only for "old people."
However, untreated hearing loss has serious consequences. It can affect your quality of life - making it harder to engage in social activities, communicate effectively, and enjoy everyday experiences.
Most importantly, though, new studies show that hearing loss is linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline, including conditions like dementia. Hearing loss can strain the brain, making it work harder and affecting thinking and memory. This strain can lead to the brain shrinking faster, resulting in a gradual decline in efficiency that leads to dementia.
On top of that, hearing loss can also cause feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression.
But here's the good news:
The FDA introduced over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids last year to make hearing aids more accessible. This means adults in the US with mild to moderate hearing loss can now buy OTC hearing aids without a prescription.
What are OTC Hearing Aids?
OTC hearing aids are air-conduction devices that capture sounds with a microphone and convert them into digital signals. A chip inside the hearing aid then processes these signals to enhance clarity and volume. After processing, the signal is transformed back into sound waves and played directly into your ears.
However, unlike prescription hearing aids, OTC hearing aids have volume dials or buttons that you can adjust to match your hearing needs. This makes OTC hearing aids a quick, simple, and affordable solution for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss without the need for prescription tests.
What to Consider When Buying OTC Hearing Aids
When buying OTC hearing aids, the most important factor to consider is their return policy. This is because OTC hearing aids are not one-size-fits-all, and finding the perfect fit may require some trial and error on your part.
On top of that, unlike glasses, it may take your body up to 4 weeks to adjust to hearing clearly again with hearing aids. So, always check how long you have to return them and make sure that it allows you enough time to adjust.
Most companies offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for this reason, but we at The Hearing Co. don't think that's enough. That's why we offer a 365-day money-back guarantee instead. Which means that you have a full year to test and adjust to our hearing aids, and if you’re ever unhappy with them within that year, we will refund you, guaranteed.
On top of that, we also have a free lifetime warranty included on all orders. This means that if your hearing aids ever get damaged, we will send you a replacement pair completely free.
Lastly, we have the best after-order care. Our 24/7 customer support and helpful resources like quick-start guides, troubleshooting guides, and video tutorials are always available to help you.
But don't just take our word for it - hear what our amazing customers have to say:
In Conclusion
OTC hearing aids have opened up a life-changing opportunity for millions of Americans with hearing loss. In fact, doctors estimate that as many as 90% of those with hearing loss could benefit from this new class of hearing aids.That’s why we at The Hearing Co. are committed to pioneering this opportunity by giving you the best hearing you deserve at a price available to everyone.
Ready to rediscover the joy of clear hearing? Explore all of our hearing aid models here.