PP407 - Current Perspectives on Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A Follow-up Study

Abstract:
This follow-up study explores the evolving impact of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, following the FDA's October 2022 guidelines. It examines the perspectives of audiologists, hearing instrument specialists, and audiology students on the changing landscape of hearing care. Preliminary data from 143 respondents reveals significant concern about patient misuse of OTC devices, with 75% of students and 79.5% of professionals sharing this worry. While some express mild concerns about potential career impacts, others are less concerned. The study also highlights an increase in OTC-related education within audiology programs, signaling the profession’s adaptation to this new market shift.

Summary:
In October of 2022, the FDA released its final guidelines for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, aiming to address concerns about high costs, inaccessibility, lack of insurance coverage, and exploitative sales tactics associated with prescription hearing aids. The change was feared to make the traditional process of purchasing hearing aids—scheduling an appointment with an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist (HIS)—a formality. Audiologists and HISs have expressed apprehension about these changes, as uncertainty surrounds the future of amplification. While increased availability is positive for many with hearing loss, concerns about this uncharted landscape have emerged. Companies like Sony, Jabra, and Bose have introduced OTC devices, shifting the hearing health market in new directions. However, the full impact of OTC hearing aids remains uncertain, with momentum not yet meeting initial expectations. A 2022 study, conducted before OTCs became available, showed that students were the most uneasy, while audiologists/HISs had mixed reactions. This study aims to explore perspectives on hearing aid practices and the potential impact of OTC hearing aids. The survey will assess the changing opinions of audiologists, HISs, and audiology doctoral students as OTCs saturate the market.

The anonymous survey, designed via SurveyMonkey with 42 questions, takes about 10 minutes to complete. Preliminary data reveals 143 participants, with approximately 16% students and 83% audiologists or HIS. The mean age of respondents was 25-34 years. Key findings show that both audiologists/HIS and students are concerned patients will misuse OTC devices. The data revealed that 75% of students and 79.49% of audiologists/HIS share this concern.

The poster will also address business practices related to standard hearing aids vs OTC devices. The main question is: will OTC devices negatively affect careers in audiology? In a 2022 survey, both audiologists/HIS and students predicted a mild negative impact. Preliminary data shows mixed emotions from students, with some expressing mild negative impact and others feeling moderate or no concern. Audiologists/HIS, the largest respondent group, reported no concerns.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
Preliminary data also shows more audiology programs covering OTCs in depth (19% in 2022, 34% in 2024 preliminary data) and fewer programs ignoring them (19% in 2022, 8% in 2024 preliminary data). Since OTC devices entered the market, 52% of responders reported unchanged concerns, while 44% are less concerned. Audiologists/HIS continue to believe prescribed hearing aids offer better sound quality and features compared to OTCs.

This work is valuable for its timely data collection, capturing perspectives just before and after the introduction of OTC hearing aids. While there was significant speculation about the impact of OTCs, little was known about how professionals and students felt. This study provides insights into the concerns and expectations of those directly impacted by the shift, offering a clearer picture of the evolving dynamics within the field.