Prescription hearing aids meet the needs of all levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound, and also work with other ear conditions. Over-the-counter hearing aids are intended for only mild to moderate hearing loss. Unless you've already been seen by an audiologist, you must determine if you fit in this spectrum. Here is a brief description to help you figure out if your hearing loss falls within the mild-to-moderate:²

• Mild: This is typically a hearing loss range of between 26 to 40 decibels. This translates into being able to hear someone talk, but softer tones of speech are difficult to make out.
• Moderate: A hearing loss range between 56 to 70 decibels. This degree of hearing loss tends to make regular conversation difficult for people, as they cannot hear what a person is saying when they are speaking at a normal level. In addition to conversation struggles, moderate hearing loss also means a person can't hear everyday background noises, such as hearing their foot hit the pavement or birds chirping.

OTC hearing devices use advanced technology to create ultra-clear sound quality, but they are not intended for all-day wear. They are classified as receiver-in-canal, or RIC hearing aids. An example is the aXis, which inserts close to the ear canal with a tube that wraps the device around the earlobe. Another example is the LinX, a model that looks very much like wireless earbuds. These styles are easy to pop inside the ear when you need them. However, if your needs require you to wear hearing aids for most of the day, you will want custom-fit prescription hearing aids. 

Are you tech-savvy or do you have someone who can help you? This is an important factor to be aware of because an OTC hearing aid device has to be configured prior to application. Users configure the settings and perform adjustments by accessing the smartphone app or the included software, and it could take a week or two to find that perfect setting. If you get intimidated by technology, prescription hearing aids are fine-tuned by an audiologist with personal instruction on how to make setting adjustments. This is part of the all-inclusive service experience and high price point. 

If these three factors meet your criteria, why not save thousands going this route? OTC hearing aids may not include the full-service experience like their prescription counterpart, but the tradeoff is a small price tag for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. An OTC option places hearing aids into more hands without compromising sound quality as manufacturers continue innovating and using the latest technology. With no prescription required, clearer hearing is just a click away.