Over The Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017

What is the Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Act?

President Trump signed a law in August of 2017 called the Over the Counter Hearing Aid Act. In fact, this allows adults to directly purchase high-quality hearing aids without needing to see a hearing care professional. Additionally, this law deregulates the hearing aid market. The cost of amplification devices to the consumer is now consistently lowering.

This new legislation requires the FDA to establish and regulate a new category of hearing aids. Consequently, non-professional or online retailers can sell these devices to people who suffer from a mild to moderate hearing loss.  Thankfully, Congress is giving the FDA 3 years to complete this process.

What are over the counter hearing aid act

These OTC hearing aids or will be a new category of wearable hearing devices. Interestingly enough, the FDA has not yet officially approved these devices.  Additionally, this classification would be separate from “hearing aids”. However, just like traditional prescription hearing aids, it will be regulated and labeled by the FDA for product safety and efficacy. Consumers with hearing loss can’t buy these devices without FDA approval.

Several organizations provide recommendations for the performance standards of these Over the Counter Hearing Aid Act (OTC) devices. These entities include the National Academy of Science, Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Technology Association.

Otofonix

There is no need to wait for 3 years! In fact, you can purchase an Otofonix hearing aid today and begin experiencing life at its fullest.  Furthermore, the FDA has approved all of their digital hearing aids, and they also offer a 45-day hassle-free return policy to eliminate any risk to you.

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