Are Audiologists going to be a thing of the past?

Everything changes. Seasons change. Technology changes. When new ways of doing things are introduced, there is often a transition period while the traditional way and the new way learn to co-exist.

The first electric vehicle was introduced in 1997 and now many of them coexist on the roads with gas-powered cars. Only time will tell if gas-powered vehicles ever become obsolete.

The first cell phone camera was on a Kyocera model released in 1999. Nowadays, most people no longer carry around their 35mm camera because there is one on their smartphone, but serious photographers still use expensive professional cameras.

In a profession that is a little closer to home, the advent of over-the-counter reading glasses offered better accessibility to people who had difficulty reading small print, but they certainly didn’t replace the need for prescription glasses.

"One of the largest changes that will come as a result of the law is that now those amplifiers will be allowed to be called hearing devices."

Traditional hearing aids are about to experience disruption when the Over-The-Counter hearing device law goes into effect later this year. In reality, amplifying devices have been available over-the-counter for many years as it is. One of the largest changes that will come as a result of the law is that now those amplifiers will be allowed to be called hearing devices.

At Hearing HealthCare Centers, we work hard to make sure our patients are educated and have the most important information regarding products available. In this newsletter, Dr. Ellyn Kuehne talks about the difference between the devices we fit and OTC hearing devices.

One thing that is certain is that OTC devices will never be able to replace the extensive, personalized care and prescriptive fittings that you have come to expect from our Doctors of Audiology.

Keep scrolling to learn more about over the counter hearing devices!

The first OTC devices are expected to be released by the end of the year. Since this has started to make waves in 2017, I have been asked the common question: “What makes them different from the hearing devices you fit?”

As we dive into this topic, I want to state clearly that I believe that there is a place for OTC devices.

Research shows that the average person with hearing loss waits seven to ten years before treating their hearing loss! Also, only 20% of those aged 70 years or older who can benefit from a hearing device, wear one. Two benefits of OTC devices are that it would hopefully shorten this gap as well as increase the percentage of those who seek treatment.

However, there are some important points to understand before pursuing an OTC device or suggesting an OTC device for someone you know:

1. OTCs are essentially a “one size fits all” device. The FDA recommends OTC devices for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. A major concern is that OTC devices have tested at output levels much too strong for mild to moderate hearing loss. This over amplification could cause further hearing loss damage.

2. Hearing aids need to be serviced. With an OTC device it is a one stop shop. FDA regulations require OTC devices to have a repair number to call, however it could require mailing the device in to be serviced or repaired, especially if there is not a local clinic who can help.

3. What if an OTC device doesn’t work for you? According to the FDA proposal for OTC devices, there is no required return policy for an OTC product. It is required by law for audiologists that we provide at least a 30-day return period for any devices purchased through us.

4. How can you verify that an OTC device is amplifying appropriately for you? Unfortunately, you can’t. Verification of an OTC device is strictly subjective- meaning it just gets set to where it sounds good, whether or not it is near your prescriptive targets. The only way to objectively verify any type of hearing devices is with testing equipment only available in some Hearing Care Professionals’ offices.

So - How are our hearing aids different? The simple answer: they are provided and programmed by an audiologist.

Audiologists have a doctoral degree in hearing and an in-depth understanding of how the auditory system functions. This knowledge is utilized and crucial throughout the entire process of fitting a hearing device. The FDA recommends that patients seek treatment from an audiologist before considering an OTC device. So, you may be wondering, how is our process different?

1. We consider the individual. Audiologists get to know you and create a personal relationship with you. This ability allows a hearing device to be customized to the individual in a way that is not accessible with an OTC device. Evidence indicates that this customization produces better outcomes.

2. It is not about the product; it is about how the audiologist makes the product work. Audiologists ensure that we get the patient to their best hearing possible. With objective measures in office we can verify that a hearing device is meeting each individual’s needs. Some research studies have attempted objective measures on OTC devices and results indicate that most common OTC devices are inadequate.

3. Our hearing aids do more! Our hearing devices make 55 million personalized adjustments every hour to ensure the hearing aid is always functioning at an optimal level, no matter the circumstance. FDA regulations indicate that OTC devices only need to meet 5 electroacoustic requirements.

4. Best practice care. Hearing is a medical problem, and a hearing device is a medical device. When working with an audiologist, a diagnostic test battery is used to guide us as we program a hearing device for each patient. No testing is required for an OTC device and many studies have shown that the output of OTC devices have more accuracy in low frequency hearing loss. However, high frequency hearing loss is the most common type of loss in adults aged 65 and older.

5. Better Service. We are here to support you and answer any questions you may have. Hearing devices can be complicated and learning to use them can be confusing. Research on OTC devices has indicated that manipulating an OTC device can be confusing and often non-functional. This leads individuals to reject the device altogether.

An OTC device could reduce the gap of diagnoses to treatment of hearing loss as well as increase the percentage of those treated. Unfortunately, research indicates that the outcomes with an OTC device are much different than those achieved by an audiologist. An audiologist is an integral part in the process to ensure you are hearing to your full potential.

If you have questions regarding OTC or the services we offer, call today to schedule a complimentary consultation. Hearing care is health care.

We are excited to announce a new tool we are using called VOSU. This stands for "Verification of Speech Understanding."

The tool allows us to SHOW patients how much benefit they get in different conditions such as with no hearing aids compared to with hearing aids or with older hearing aids compared to new technology.

It is a great tool and has been sparking interest across all of our locations!

If you are interested in determining if you are understanding speech to your best ability, call to schedule an appointment with your preferred provider!

303-558-5811