What You Need to Know about OTC Hearing Devices

If you’ve read the news lately, you know that new research is coming out all the time linking hearing loss to other major health concerns like cognitive decline, depression, and an increased risk of accidents.

Many people delay treatment for hearing loss, often due to concerns about affordability. At Professional Audiology Clinic, located in Edmonton and Sherwood Park, we are committed to finding ways to make hearing devices more accessible to our community. Thanks to recent advancements in technology, hearing loss treatments have become more affordable than ever before.

In the past few years, we’ve witnessed exciting breakthroughs in hearing technology, leading to lower-cost options, including Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing aids available at stores and pharmacies. While these devices can offer a convenient solution, it’s crucial to understand that purchasing an OTC device is not a do-it-yourself endeavor.

Choosing the right OTC hearing aid requires careful consideration. Factors such as fit, settings, and how well the device addresses your specific hearing loss can significantly impact sound clarity and overall effectiveness. Therefore, the first step in managing hearing loss should always be a comprehensive hearing test with a licensed professional at our clinic.

At Professional Audiology Clinic, we’re here to guide you through the process of selecting the right hearing solution for your needs. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward better hearing!

Online news on a smartphone, Woman reading news or articles in a mobile phone screen application at home. Newspaper and portal on internet

Why Do I Need a Hearing Test?

Many people make the mistake of thinking that hearing aids and hearables are just mini-speakers that amplify sound. In reality, they do a lot more than that, and some device styles are not effective treatments for higher-levels or specific types of hearing loss. A hearing test from a licensed professional is critical for determining your ability to hear certain frequencies, to understand speech in quiet and noisy environments, and to find the most appropriate solution for your individual needs. 

Hearing Devices Are Not Just About Volume

Hearing devices need to be “tuned” to your specific hearing loss. Here are just a few reasons this is important:

  • If you universally raise the volume, the volume will be too high in the ranges where your hearing is normal which can damage your hearing further.
  • Some frequencies will be uncomfortably loud if they are not adjusted properly…which may lead you to stop using your device.
  • Sound clarity will be affected if the settings aren’t correct. What’s the point of increasing the volume if you still can’t make out what someone is saying to you?
  • A hearing aid that is not fit with a recent audiogram may damage your hearing more than help it.
Man holding a new style hearing aid

Clarity of Sound Depends on Getting the Right Device for Your Hearing Loss

There are other features that are important when choosing a hearing device. For example, hearing aids often have artificial intelligence that improves sound quality, helps alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus, or reduces background noise. Depending on the exact nature of your hearing loss, these features may be important to address your hearing issues effectively. 

In addition, we can help you monitor your hearing loss over time and adjust the settings in response to subtle changes.

It Pays to Get It Right – Hearing Loss Affects Your Overall Health

Not only has untreated hearing loss been associated with dementia and depression, it can also affect your health in subtle ways. Luckily, the reverse is also true: getting proper treatment for hearing loss has been shown to help restore cognitive abilities and reduce depression in adults with hearing loss. The key is to make sure the treatment is effective for the severity and type of your hearing loss. This all starts with a hearing test and evaluation.