Millions of Americans will have access to purchase hearing aids over-the-counter under a new FDA rule.
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A Food and Drug Administration rule unveiled Tuesday allows retail sales of hearing aids by mid-October for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Regulators said the new rule should give millions of adults less expensive options and broaden access for those who can't afford hearing aids.
"Today the FDA opens the door to quality, affordable hearing aids to consumers over the counter," Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said on a call with reporters Tuesday. "For many Americans who suffer from hearing loss, safe and effective and high quality hearing aids have been unaffordable."
Nearly 30 million adults have trouble hearing, but only about 1 in 5 people with hearing loss use a hearing aid. Aging, exposure to loud noises, medical conditions and other factors contribute to hearing loss. Hearing aids can help make speech and sounds louder and allow people to better communicate.
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