What is an over-the-counter hearing aid and how is it different from a prescription hearing aid?
An over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid is a new category of regulated hearing device that adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase directly from a store or online retailer without needing to see a hearing healthcare provider. OTC hearing aids amplify sounds to help improve hearing ability and communication. The OTC category was created by the FDA (October 2022) and it is regulated by the FDA to ensure they meet certain technical and labeling requirements.

OTC hearing aids were created to provide a more affordable and accessible solution for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids require a medical exam and prescription from a licensed hearing healthcare provider, such as an audiologist. They are customized to an individual's hearing loss profile and needs. Prescription hearing aids can address a wider range of hearing loss severity, from mild to profound. However, they can be prohibitively expensive for many consumers. OTC hearing aids are intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and are not customized, but provide an affordable and convenient option without needing to get a prescription.

What is the difference between an over-the-counter hearing aid and a hearing amplifier (also known as a Personal Sound Amplification product or PSAP)?
The key difference is that OTC hearing aids are regulated medical devices approved by the FDA, while hearing amplifiers are not. OTC hearing aids have to meet FDA standards for safety and effectiveness, while amplifiers do not. OTC hearing aids can legally be marketed to consumers to compensate for impaired hearing, while amplifiers cannot make that medical claim. OTC hearing aids also have lower maximum sound output to be safe for the ear, while amplifiers can produce more power which could damage hearing.

How do I clean and care for my hearing aids?

It is important to clean your hearing aids regularly to keep them functioning properly. Here are some tips for cleaning and caring for your hearing aids:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe down the entire surface of the hearing aid. This removes earwax and debris buildup. Avoid getting moisture into the microphone and battery areas.
• Use a small brush or wire loop to clear out any earwax blocking the earpiece or tubing. Be gentle and don't force anything through.
• Carefully remove your hearing aids before applying hairspray, perfume, or lotions which can clog the microphone.
• Be sure to place your hearing aids in the charging case when you remove them for the day or will not be wearing them for an extended period. Keeping the batteries charged helps preserve battery life and performance over time.
• Avoid extreme heat or cold which can damage hearing aid circuitry and batteries.

What is the difference between hearing aids with noise cancellation and noise reduction?
Noise cancellation and noise reduction are two different technologies used in hearing aids to help improve speech understanding in noisy environments.Noise cancellation actively cancels out constant background noise like the hum of an air conditioner. It uses phase-inversion technology to generate a sound wave that is the exact opposite of the ambient noise. When combined, the two sound waves acoustically cancel each other out.Noise reduction does not cancel sound but rather attenuates or softens distracting sounds. It utilizes advanced signal processing to identify and filter out random, non-speech noises like traffic, wind, or crowds. The unwanted noise is softened while still allowing speech to pass through clearly.Our hearing aids use the latest adaptive noise reduction technology to selectively identify bothersome background noises and reduce their volume so you can focus on the voices you want to hear. Noise cancellation is better suited for constant, predictable noise rather than variable everyday clatter and commotion. Our noise reduction provides natural sound quality with less distortion.

How do digital hearing aids work?
Digital hearing aids convert sound into numerical codes before amplifying it, as opposed to analog hearing aids which amplify the sound signal directly. The main components of a digital hearing aid are a microphone, digital signal processor (DSP), and receiver.

The microphone picks up sounds from the environment and converts them into digital signals. The DSP is the brain of the hearing aid - it converts the digital signals into numerical codes. The DSP applies complex algorithms to process and manipulate the sound based on the wearer's hearing loss profile. For example, it can provide frequency-specific amplification to boost certain sound frequencies that the wearer has difficulty hearing.

The processed numerical sound code is then converted back into an amplified digital signal by the DSP. This amplified digital signal is then converted into sound waves by the receiver and transmitted into the ear canal. The advanced signal processing of digital hearing aids allows more precise and customized sound adjustments than analog models. Digital hearing aids can be programmed with multiple listening profiles for different environments.

What are the benefits of hearing aids?
There are many benefits of using hearing aids for people with hearing impairment, including:

• Improved hearing ability - Hearing aids amplify sounds to make them louder and clearer. This allows people with hearing loss to hear more speech and environmental sounds.
• Better communication - By improving hearing ability, hearing aids make it easier to communicate in conversations, especially in noisy environments. This reduces misunderstandings.
• Less strain - Without hearing aids, people with hearing loss have to strain to hear which can be tiring. Hearing aids reduce listening effort.
• Increased safety - Hearing important sounds like alarms or warning signals becomes easier with hearing aids. This improves awareness of environmental hazards.
• Improved cognitive function - Untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline. Hearing aids can help prevent or delay cognitive impairment.
• Reduced isolation - Hearing loss can lead to social isolation if communication becomes difficult. Hearing aids allow better social engagement.
• Increased quality of life - By improving communication, safety, and social interaction, hearing aids enhance overall quality of life and well-being.

• The volume is set too high. Having the volume up too high can cause sound to bounce back and create an echo. Try adjusting the volume down to a more comfortable level and see if that helps.
• There is an air gap between the hearing aid and your ear canal. An improper fit can allow sound to escape and bounce back. Try switching to a different-sized earplug that fits more snugly into your ear canal to prevent air gaps.

Howling occurs when the hearing aid and the ear canal are not completely matched. Sounds from the receiver are duplicated at the microphone and the sounds form a loop, which may be continuously amplified and result in a howling noise. To solve this issue, please choose the ear domes that best fit your ear canal.

Why is there no sound when the device is worn properly?

• Check whether the mode and volume are adjusted to appropriately suit your hearing.
• Check whether the hearing aid has sufficient charge.
• Check for potential blockage at the sound outlet or in the ear canal.