October 7, 2024

New and likely cheaper options will hit store shelves in the coming months.
Advertising Disclosure
Listen up! Hearing aids will become more accessible, and possibly more affordable, this fall.
A newly finalized federal regulation “establishes a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, enabling consumers with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment to purchase hearing aids directly from stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription or a fitting adjustment by an audiologist,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday.
Last year, President Joe Biden ordered the start of this process, noting that the average hearing aid price tag of more than $5,000 had led to just 14% of Americans with hearing loss using hearing aids.
Nearly 30 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from hearing aids, and the new regulation is intended to foster competition and bring down prices, the FDA says.
The rule takes effect on Oct. 17, 2022, so OTC hearing aids could become available in stores starting as early as mid-October.
However, manufacturers of hearing aids sold prior to Oct. 17 have up to six months thereafter to comply with the regulation.
Can’t wait that long? Take a look at our story “How to Save Hundreds of Dollars on Hearing Aids.”
Federal regulations, also referred to as rules, are created by federal agencies, boards and commissions — such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in this case.
Regulations explain how federal agencies should carry out the laws created by Congress. Regulations themselves also have the force and effect of law.
Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.
  Like Article   Add a Comment
Simple ways to make, save, and grow your money daily:
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Every week our podcasts bring you lively money discussions that will give you a few laughs along with advice that will make you richer.
Money with Stacy Johnson
Listen/Subscribe
Some of our favorite stories for you to read next.
Join our free newsletter subscribers building wealth and destroying debt:
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
© 2022 Money Talks News. All Rights Reserved.
‭1 (833) 669-8557 | 1732 1st Ave #26661, New York, NY 10128

Advertising Disclosure: This site may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.
Help us produce more money-saving articles and videos by subscribing to a membership.
Get Started
Help us produce more money-saving articles and videos by subscribing to a membership.
Our Policy: We welcome relevant and respectful comments in order to foster healthy and informative discussions. All other comments may be removed. Comments with links are automatically held for moderation.
Please enable JavaScript to view comments.
Join happy subscribers and sign up for our free newsletter! You’ll get:
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

source

About Author