Abstract
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are designed to be accessible as a self-guided
experience, not requiring professional support. However, some individuals may pursue
OTC hearing aids and also desire (limited) professional support. The purpose of this
article was to explore the potential role of audiologists in patients' self-guided
journeys with OTC hearing aids by examining four related questions. (1) Why might
audiologists want to know about OTCs? (2) What types of patient support for OTC hearing
aids might be beneficial for patients? (3) What additional knowledge and skills, outside
of those already obtained for current prescription service delivery models, are necessary
or useful? (4) What is the evidence base around service delivery as it extends to
OTC hearing aids? Several potential professional support approaches are considered.
While speculative due to the constraints of the limited current evidence base, potentially
important factors, including the impact on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness,
were included when possible. The introduction of OTC hearing aids has changed the
hearing aid marketplace; however, the demand for both OTC and prescription hearing
aids is only increasing. With these changes, interested audiologists have new and
unique opportunities to support more patients by participating in the OTC hearing
aid marketplace through the acquisition of new OTC-specific knowledge and through
partnerships with other professionals and OTC providers.
Keywords
OTC hearing aid - service delivery - hearing healthcare - self-fitting hearing aid
