Consumers hoping to gain a financial advantage by purchasing over-the-counter (OTC) hearings aids may find themselves losing more of what they are trying to hear as a result.

State officials and at least one Newtown audiologist are stepping up advisories to anyone tempted to save some money bypassing professional consultations and the high-tech hearing assistance devices only licensed audiologists, related specialists, and physicians can acquire on consumers’ behalf.

State Attorney General William Tong and Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull are asking Connecticut consumers to be wary of companies selling potentially faulty and unregulated over-the-counter hearing aids.

Connecticut law has long required hearings aids to be sold only by licensed audiologists or hearing instrument specialists. In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) relaxed regulations on the sales of hearing aids and companies began developing hearing devices that could be sold over the counter, without consulting a medical professional.

Medically approved hearing aids are expensive, often costing several thousand dollars for a single earpiece.

The FDA has not yet approved any OTC hearing aids for sale to consumers, yet some hearing devices have been marketed as a FDA “registered” or “cleared” as a solution for mild to moderate hearing loss at a more affordable price. They do not have an FDA endorsement and there is no promise of their effectiveness. Some might work as advertised; others may be faulty or completely inadequate.

“Although an over-the-counter medical device might be less expensive, it doesn’t mean it will be effective,” AG Tong said. “If you are looking into such hearing devices, please do your homework to make sure the device actually works and fits your specific needs before spending money on a product that might be worthless.”

“Just like any purchase, make sure to read the fine print closely,” said Seagull. “Shop around, do your research, read reviews, consult with a medical professional, and be sure you know the return policy. These are all steps that can help prevent you from wasting money on a device that doesn’t work as advertised.”

Local expert Concurs

This advice is echoed by local audiologist Anne Lynn, who has long maintained a practice at 107 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook.

“People often bring in ads that are so misleading,” Lynn said of companies eager to market so-called hearing aids that do not contain the technology of those she is able to acquire for her clients.

When a consumer clicks a website, calls a toll-free number, or responds to a print advertisement to obtain an OTC hearing assistance device, they are missing an essential step in getting relief from their hearing loss, Lynn says.

“First, it is important to have a hearing evaluation to see what the degree of hearing loss is,” the local audiologist told The Newtown Bee. “An over-the-counter amplifier is designed for mild hearing loss, so if the loss is greater, the individual will need a hearing aid.”

Lynn said anyone experiencing hearing issues is best served by a qualified provider who can assist them each step of the way as they determine the best option based on the degree of hearing loss experienced.

“Unfortunately, people purchase amplifiers and are dissatisfied with the benefits, and that’s usually because it is not providing the appropriate benefit,” Lynn said.

In a recent release, the AG Tong and Commissioner Seagull reiterated, “The FDA has not approved any over-the-counter hearing devices. Over-the-counter, direct-to-consumer, hearing aids are not regulated and because of this, may work poorly or not at all and could be harmful.”

Shopping Advice

The same release offered these tips for those shopping for hearing aids:

*Research the seller with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have a good rating before you purchase the product;

*Be skeptical of online reviews and endorsements;

*Read the purchase policy carefully. Know the refund policy as well as any time limits on returns;

*Anyone with hearing concerns should get a qualified health screening and discuss options with a medical professional. Only a professional will be able to tell you exactly the kind of hearing device would work for you and make recommendations; and

*Always remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

In 2017, when Congress was poised to relax restrictions on OTC devices, two practitioners from Southbury Audiology weighed in along with Lynn.

Audiologist Stephanie L. Bakewell, AuD, said the positive aspect of allowing OTC sales of hearing aids is making hearing aids available to more people.

Dr Bakewell cautioned, however, that over-the-counter sales may raise false expectations as hearing loss is a malady that varies among individuals and warrants scientific testing and equipment customization by an expert to provide the best results.

Audiologist Cathleen A. Alex, AuD, said that the sound frequency response charts created when audiologists test patients are unique documents. Through scientific testing, audiologists address sonic distortion and clarity issues, she said. “Over-the-counter products may not be useful,” she noted.

Dr Alex explained that testing on a patient measures how well their brain understands sound in both quiet environments and noisy environments. Through such testing, “We seek to create high-definition hearing” for a patient, she said.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or have been contacted by a scammer, contact the Office of the Attorney General at 860-808-5318 or attorney.general@ct.gov.

Associate Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.