Medical disclaimer
Hearing Shortlist helps you compare over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. It is not medical advice, and it is not a substitute for a hearing test or an exam by a doctor or audiologist. The person who built it is a hearing aid wearer, not a medical professional.
The tool does not diagnose anything. It doesn’t know your medical history, and it can’t examine your ears. Its recommendations are based only on what you type and on the device facts in our file.
Who OTC hearing aids are for
OTC hearing aids are meant for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They are not meant for children, or for adults with more severe hearing loss. Hearing aids for those cases are prescription devices.
See a doctor before buying if any of these apply
The US National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) advises seeing a licensed physician promptly if you have:
- Fluid, pus or blood coming out of your ear in the past 6 months
- Ear pain or discomfort
- A history of excessive earwax, or a feeling that something is in your ear canal
- Episodes of vertigo (a spinning feeling) along with hearing loss
- Sudden or quickly worsening hearing loss
- Hearing loss that got worse and then better again within the last 6 months
- Hearing loss or ringing (tinnitus) in only one ear, or a noticeable difference between your ears
If you notice a sudden loss of hearing, don’t wait to see whether it improves. See a doctor promptly.
See a hearing professional if your hearing loss may be more than mild to moderate
NIDCD suggests talking to a hearing professional instead of buying OTC if you:
- Have trouble hearing conversations even in quiet places
- Have trouble hearing loud sounds, like cars, trucks, noisy appliances or loud music
These can be signs of more severe hearing loss, which OTC hearing aids may not be powerful enough to help.
Finding a professional
- ASHA ProFind lists certified audiologists across the US.
- Your primary care doctor can refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
Device information
We work to keep device facts accurate and dated, but prices, features and availability change. Always check the maker’s instructions and labeling before using any hearing aid, and confirm details with the seller before you buy.