The Food and Drug Administration has made a historic ruling by approving over-the-counter hearing aids for those who need them.
The ruling will allow those who are hearing impaired to buy hearing aids without a medical exam or prescription.
Nearly 30 million Americans need hearing aids, and having them available over the counter should make them more affordable, according to the FDA.
On average, one hearing aid is about $2,000, and most people need one for each ear.
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Depending on the technology used, prices can range between $4,000 to $6,000, and insurance doesn’t cover most of the bill, according to Forbes.
By mid-October, over-the-counter hearing aids could be available in local stores.
News Center 7′s Kayla McDermott spoke with Doctor Sarah Sydlowski, President of American Academy Audiology at the Cleveland Clinic, to learn more about hearing loss.
“When hearing isn’t managed appropriately it can have all sorts of consequences from feelings of social isolation to anxiety to depression,” said Sydlowski.
John Hopkins Medicine says scans show hearing loss can lead to atrophy in the brain and loneliness and can increase the chances of developing dementia.
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