Hearing Aids Are Now Available , Over the Counter in the US.<br />Beginning Oct. 17, adults in the U.S. who experience either mild to moderate hearing loss can buy the devices over the counter.<br />It is the first time since the advent of hearing aids that they can be purchased without a prescription.<br />Experts say that this day has been a long time coming.<br />We’ve been working for years for affordable and accessible hearing health care, Barbara Kelley, Hearing Loss Association of America, via CNN.<br />Other experts expressed joy over the development, which follows an executive order signed by President Joe Biden in July.<br />I have a big smile on my face right now, Dr. Frank Lin, Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, via CNN.<br />Because of the technology at the time, the only way for hearing aids to be safe and effective is if they were programmed and fitted and professionally adjusted by a licensed provider, Dr. Frank Lin, Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, via CNN.<br />But the market and <br />that technology has <br />changed dramatically, Dr. Frank Lin, Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, via CNN.<br />Now, the increase in competition means that hearing aid prices are likely to drop significantly.<br />This will allow companies like Samsung, Apple, Google – companies that are already making innovative earbuds – they can now enter the market. , Dr. Frank Lin, Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, via CNN.<br />They really couldn’t before, Dr. Frank Lin, Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, via CNN.<br />Some models available in stores such as Walgreens and Best Buy are already priced as low as $200 per pair.<br />Some models available in stores such as Walgreens and Best Buy are already priced as low as $200 per pair.<br />That is a significant decrease from the $2000 per ear average that prescribed and fitted devices often require.<br />Nearly one in eight adults in the U.S. experience some significant level of hearing loss
