The different types of over-the-counter hearing aids: What to know

Let’s say you’ve decided to try over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. These devices can be a good option for people with self-diagnosed mild-to-moderate hearing loss. You can buy them in stores or online without a prescription.¹

But with so many different OTC hearing aids to choose from, how do you figure out which ones to get?

“At UnitedHealthcare, we’re working to make the decision simpler,” says Jan Storhaug, Au.D. She’s the associate director, network and vendor relations, for UnitedHealthcare Hearing. “We want to demystify the experience.”

The first step: Learn all you can about the basics of OTC hearing aids. There are several categories:

• Situational use
• All-day wear
• All-day wear with added support from hearing specialists

Then, figure out what you want your hearing aids to do for you, Storhaug suggests. “There’s not one perfect style of hearing aids for all,” she says. “Everyone has unique, individualized needs.” Read on for advice on how to make your choice.

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OTC hearing aid basics

OTC hearing aids are intended for adults with self-diagnosed mild to moderate hearing loss.¹ You don’t even need a hearing test to get them. But it might be a good idea to do so anyway, suggests the American Audiology Association.²

Still debating whether to go with OTC hearing aids or prescription ones? Then getting a hearing exam and consultation with a hearing care professional may be an option for you. You can also check your hearing with a 5-minute online hearing test. It may not give you official results, but it can give you a general idea of how well you’re hearing.

Then there’s the technology: Are you comfortable setting them up on your own? Many OTC hearing aid manufacturers offer basic apps and customer support, but mainly to help you troubleshoot issues with your device. Others, though, offer more clinical or guided support. So, it’s good to know what you’re getting into.

There are also different price points. OTC devices range from $99 to $3,000 a pair.³ So, you may be able to find a pair that fits your budget and needs.

Once you’ve got a pretty good idea how OTC devices operate, it’s time to narrow down your choices, Storhaug says.

Hearing aids have the same basic parts — a microphone to pick up sounds, an amplifier to make them louder, and a speaker to send those sounds into your ear.⁴ 

Choosing among types depends on which situations you need the hearing aids for.

Situational use

Situational use devices often come in earbud style that sits in your ear canal. These are small but powerful devices. They look a lot like the earbuds you might use for listening to music or talking on your smartphone.

Benefits: They may be good for people who may only need hearing aids in certain situations, particularly ones where there is a lot of background noise. The earbud style makes them easy to put in, take out and store when not in use.

“If you’re on the phone for a business meeting, for example, the signal from your phone goes right to your ear,” Storhaug says. “They’re also good if you have a virtual meeting or a Zoom call with your grandchildren. And if you need some extra help at a noisy restaurant, a family gathering, or church, earbuds may be the way to go.”

Some other benefits:⁴

• They filter out background noise.
• You can adjust the volume.
• You can use an app for customer support.
• They usually come with rechargeable batteries.

Good to know: Earbud-style hearing aids might not be right for you if:⁴

• You get lots of earwax. Earwax can cause damage to the receiver and impact the performance of your OTC device.
• You have a hard time handling tiny devices.
• You struggle with the occlusion effect. (This is when your own voice sounds louder inside your head.) This can happen because earbuds tend to block outside sounds.
• You want or need extra help setting up and troubleshooting your devices.

Cost: What about cost? That depends on the model, Storhaug says. “There’s a range of prices and different technologies available. In general, the more advanced the features, the higher the price.”

Sign in to UnitedHealthcare Hearing to find out if you’re covered for OTC hearing aids. Learn more.

All-day wear

All-day wear OTC hearing aids often include such styles as behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC). These OTC hearing aids have a plastic case that sits behind your ear. It holds all the device’s electronic parts, such as the microphone and the amplifier. It also features a tiny ear dome at the end of thin tube. That dome sits inside your ear canal.

Benefits: The advantages of these hearing aids? You can use them in a variety of situations. Plus, they’re designed to be comfortable for all-day wear.

If that isn’t enough, RIC-style all-day wear OTC hearing aids can give you better quality sound and cut down on feedback. (That’s the whistling sound you get with some hearing aids.)⁵

“RIC models are discreet and offer advanced features,” says Storhaug. “And they’re very popular for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.” But the best part: You can use them in many situations, such as chatting with friends, watching TV, listening to music or having dinner at your favorite restaurant. “They’re comfortable and durable,” Storhaug says.

Even better, some of these devices come with additional clinical support. You may have the chance to meet virtually with a hearing specialist to get help setting up your hearing aids, troubleshooting your devices and more.

Some of the other benefits of an OTC RIC hearing aid:

• They have exceptional sound quality.
• They’re discreet and comfortable.
• The ear domes won’t make your ears feel plugged.
• Depending on the model, you might be able to stream sound directly from your smartphone.
• They often come with rechargeable batteries.

Good to know: The receiver inside your ear can break down from earwax and moisture. Some hearing aids will come with a greater level of expert care and guided set-up than others.

Cost: Prices vary, depending on the features you choose. But all-day wear OTC hearing aids are affordable and high-quality and a popular way to go, notes Storhaug.

“Hearing is important for your overall health. And over-the-counter hearing aids help to break down barriers,” Storhaug says. One big reason: The convenience, especially if you live in an area where it’s tough to get an appointment with a hearing care specialist, or even find one.⁶

To pick the best over-the-counter hearing aid for your hearing needs, it’s important to do your homework, Storhaug adds. So, look over your choices — and then pick the one that suits you best.

Sources

1. OTC hearing aids: What you should know U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Last updated May 3, 2023.
2. Consumers and OTC hearing aids American Academy of Audiology. Accessed July 15, 2024.
3. 5 best over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids of 2024 National Council on Aging. July 2, 2024.
4. How to choose a hearing aid: types and styles National Council on Aging. November 15, 2023.
5. Daily care and troubleshooting tips for hearing aids American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2022.
6. Are OTC hearing devices a good fit for you? Mayo Clinic. September 12, 2022.

Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

Network size varies by market.

The online hearing test is not intended to act as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider with any question about a medical condition.