Over-the-counter hearing aids available online and in stores

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are available for people to buy from stores and online retailers without needing a prescription from a hearing healthcare professional. 

The Food and Drug Administration ruled in favor of improving access to OTC hearing aids for Americans. The devices will help millions of Americans with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Hearing aid are in stock at stores nationwide at a fraction of usual costs. 

•  Walmart starting at $199 online and in store
• Walgreens starting at $799 online 
• CVS starting at $199 online
• Best Buy starting at $199 online

The new regulation in place, over-the-counter devices are safer than before, but, Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Executive Director, Barbara Kelley, advises checking for legitimacy before making a purchase. 

"Make sure it says 'OTC hearing aid' because that means that it is FDA regulated," she said. 

If a hearing aid needs to be returned HLAA officials recommend looking for a comprehensive return policy on the box or check for more details online.