Michelle Gross, HLAA Rochester
To qualify as an OTC Hearing Aid certain guidelines have to be followed such as limiting gain to avoid over amplification, limiting the depth that the "ear mold" or ear piece can be inserted into the ear, and must have a user controlled audio control (unlike the "automatic" control feature with some prescription hearing aids). They also have to meet some standards regarding sound distortion and a few other "must haves". The OTCs also have to have certain labeling information for health and safety.
PSAP are not "medical devices" and because of that are not regulated and are more likely to pose a danger to the user.
Having said all of that there needs to be oversight to be sure the guidelines are followed, so it remains to be seen how users feel about the ability to have OTC aids, most are kind of "bare bones" but for those who otherwise would need to go without, they may have a place. Time will tell.
Michelle Gross
On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, 03:35:05 PM EST, Barbara Cooledge <cooledgebb@...> wrote:
You are right. We will only know in five years.
On Wed, Nov 30, 2022 at 12:57 PM John Woodgate < jmw@...> wrote:
If you search on-line, you will
find that everything is deemed unsafe by someone.
======================================================================================
Best wishes
John Woodgate OOO-Own Opinions Only
www.woodjohn.uk
Rayleigh, Essex UK
I hear, and I forget.
I see, and I remember.
I do, and I understand.
Xunzi (340 - 245 BC)
On 2022-11-27 00:41, Barbara Cooledge
wrote:
I’ve heard it may not be safe from two sources
on-line. Sounds like it is just a problem if they are turned up
too loud. And, supporters believe that the risk is worth it if
it wards off diabetes, dementia, heart problems, etc. ?
On Sat, Nov 26, 2022 at 2:37
PM John Woodgate < jmw@...>
wrote:
It is deeply disturbing to learn that
an audiologist says that 'OTC hearing aids are not
safe'. It is a totally unscientific generalization.
It is possible that ANY hearing aid could cause
additional hearing loss. This is if it delivers a
too loud sound, causing 'ringing in the ears' and that warning sign is
ignored. Dispensed hearing aids should be set
so that is cannot occur, but certainly my dispensed
hearing aids can be set to 'play too loud for
comfort'. Just don't do it! If you hear sound 'in
your ear' rather than 'out in the room', the sound
is too loud, so turn it down.
======================================================================================
Best wishes John Woodgate OOO-Own Opinions Only
www.woodjohn.uk
Rayleigh, Essex UK
I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I
understand. Xunzi (340 - 245 BC)
On 2022-11-18 04:23, Barbara Cooledge wrote:
What is the $2,500.00? My husband’s aids
were under $1,800.00 at Costco and they had the booth
and technician and custom hearing exam. Not
over-the-counter and not covered by insurance e except
for initial examination. So, I am wondering, do over
the counter just amplify? Or do you test yourself and
customize your custom over-the-counter devices using
your computer?
I’m just curious probably because my
husband is losing his hearing. Does not have minor
hearing loss.
An audiologist said on her site that
over-the-counter are not safe. So is HLAA in the
proper position on this? Could be a disaster?
Barbara
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