On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finalized a ruling to make hearing aids available over the counter, much like reading glasses.
The move that will take effect in mid-October will enable easy access to hearing improvement for those with mild to moderate impairment.
Under the new rule, which takes effect in 60 days, people can buy hearing aids online or at the drugstore without wasting time and money on a doctor’s appointment, obtaining a prescription, or waiting to be fitted by an audiologist.
“Hearing loss is a critical public health issue that affects the ability of millions of Americans to communicate in their daily social interactions effectively,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf in a statement.
“Establishing this new regulatory category will allow people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to have convenient access to an array of safe, effective, and affordable hearing aids from their neighborhood store or online,” Califf added.
Once implemented, it would benefit many of the 30 million adults in the U.S.
The FDA said the new rule applies to certain types of air-conduction hearing aids made for people ages 18 and up. Still under prescription are hearing aids for severe impairment and those intended for people under age 18.
With its latest ruling, the FDA is hopeful it will also bring the price down, and it is thus part of President Biden’s stated attempt to foster competition within industries and lower costs.
Last year, Biden issued an executive order telling the FDA to find a way.
Biden said the new ruling could reduce hearing aid costs by $3,000.
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