The Food and Drug Administration’s ruling in August 2022 allowing hearing aids to be sold over-the-counter for mild to moderate hearing aids has led to several new innovations from hearing aid manufacturers.
In February, Texas-based Lucid Hearing announced a growing list of retail partners who are offering the firm’s OTC product line.
Lucid also surveyed 500 audiologists and hearing specialists to get a better read on OTC activity and predict future consumer activity. Hearing specialists said they are seeing more customers seeking OTC devices, especially customers who are younger than the typical hearing aid demographic or individuals purchasing for a loved one.
“The FDA ruling is serving its purpose, and that is to offer hearing solutions to more people who previously felt they couldn’t afford or were hesitant to get hearing aids,” said Bennett Griffin, executive vice president of research and development for Lucid Hearing. “OTC products are making it easier for those who need help with hearing loss, but until now haven’t done anything about it. Consumers are interested in high quality products that are discreet and easy to use.”
Lucid’s OTC hearing aids offer wireless streaming and varied styles including discreet in-ear and behind-the-ear offerings. The firm’s pre-set programs are designed to help the vast majority of consumers with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
Similarly, in February, Denmark-based Oticon Inc. introduced a new product designed to provide individuals with hearing loss access to a wider spectrum of sound with enhanced detail and clarity while reducing disruptive noises.
Oticon Real works by supporting how the brain naturally works, automatically and precisely processing the details of all sounds, so wearers can follow conversations with more awareness, focus and control, even in challenging environments.
The new Oticon Companion app includes Find My Hearing Aids functionality, giving wearers better control and management of their hearing aids.
Within the app, users can also access remote counseling to get faster responses for all their questions and concerns.
