Walmart and other major retailers announced this week they will begin selling over-the-counter hearing aids in stores and online, after a rule introduced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration went into effect on Oct. 17.
These hearing aids are available to purchase without a prescription, and at lower prices than many specialist-prescribed hearing aids. One pair sold at Walmart retails for just $199, compared to the thousands of dollars one might shell out for a prescription pair. The new OTC designs are intended for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, according to the FDA rule.
The over-the-counter hearing aids join Walmart’s existing selection of hearing amplifiers, which are hearing products that make all sounds louder — whereas prescription and OTC hearing devices are meant to enhance only the sounds you might have difficulty detecting.
It’s important to note that while the FDA regulates over-the-counter hearing aids as medical devices for adults with hearing loss, hearing amplifiers are not regulated as medical devices by the agency.
Below, we list the three new over-the-counter hearing aids sold on Walmart’s website, along with some highly rated hearing amplifiers.
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Promising review: "I bought this one for my husband. In the past he found most aids were difficult to wear. This one was a go and he is so happy he can now hear the TV without high volume. The volume control is so easy to control with one finger. You cannot beat the price. Well worth the money!!!" — Chelsea Ladd
Promising review: "I was searching for something that didn't have a lot of feedback but would also help my hearing loss. I was very pleased with these after just a few days of use. I like the fact that they are rechargeable as is the case so it can go with you. The hearing aids have not run out of power after more than 12 hours of use so that's a big plus also." — Donald B
Promising review: "Works like magic! My father-in-law had problems hearing the television, even on a super-loud setting. From the moment he put on this amplifier, we were able to lower the volume and even speak normally. He's very happy, and so are we!" — Judy Davis
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