Whether listening to your favorite song or chatting with family and friends, hearing plays a vital role in connecting with our environment and maintaining independence as you age. In our youth we take for granted that we will be able to hear the voices of our loved ones with minimal effort, but as we get older sometimes that can become more challenging.
For many struggling to hear, hearing aids are a lifeline to reconnecting with the world around them, but their ability to help hinges on choosing the correct model for your specific issue. The choices are expansive and range across a variety of price points and capabilities. For anyone who hasn't done the research, the choices can be overwhelming. Below are a few resources to help guide you in finding the right over the counter hearing aid for you:
- On Wednesday, December 14th at 11 am, we will be hosting a session with the Cleveland Hearing and Speech. They too will provide insight on navigating the many hearing aid options available for purchase over the counter.
- This article from the National Council on Aging does a great job in outlining the differences in over the counter options vs. prescription and also provides a review of many of the brands and hearing aid models available over the counter.
- The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders overs a great starter piece that provides an explanation of what over the counter hearing aids are and who can be helped by them.
If you are struggling to hear conversations, or you realize that you are cranking the volume of the TV or car stereo up a little higher than you used to, it may be time to consult your doctor and consider a hearing aid. New over the counter options are making it easier and way more accessible for everyone.
