Mother with a hearing aid talking to her teenage daughter.

Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids in Midtown Manhattan

If you’ve kept up with the news lately, you’re probably aware that new research continues to highlight the link between untreated hearing loss and other serious health concerns, such as cognitive decline, depression, and an increased risk of accidents. Despite this, many individuals delay seeking treatment, often due to concerns about affordability. At Manhattan Audio South in Midtown Manhattan, we’ve always made it a priority to provide affordable hearing solutions. Thanks to advances in technology, legislation, and changes in insurance, hearing loss treatments are becoming more accessible than ever.

One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the availability of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. These devices, now available in stores and pharmacies, offer a lower-cost option for individuals experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss.

However, just because you can buy a hearing aid over the counter doesn’t mean it’s a one-size-fits-all solution. Choosing the right device requires careful consideration. The effectiveness of your hearing aid can depend on the fit, the settings, and whether it addresses your specific hearing challenges. That’s why the first step in treating hearing loss should always be a comprehensive hearing test with a licensed audiologist. At Manhattan Audio South, we’ll guide you through the process and ensure you find the best solution for your needs.

Man having his hearing tested to see if he needs hearing aids.

Why Do I Need a Hearing Test?

Many people make the mistake of thinking that hearing aids and hearables are just mini-speakers that amplify sound. In reality, they do a lot more than that, and some device styles are not effective treatments for higher-levels or specific types of hearing loss. A hearing test from a licensed professional is critical for determining your ability to hear certain frequencies, to understand speech in quiet and noisy environments, and to find the most appropriate solution for your individual needs.

Hearing Devices Are Not Just About Volume

Hearing devices need to be “tuned” to your specific hearing loss. Here are just a few reasons this is important:

If you universally raise the volume, the volume will be too high in the ranges where your hearing is normal which can damage your hearing further.
Some frequencies will be uncomfortably loud if they are not adjusted properly…which may lead you to stop using your device.
Sound clarity will be affected if the settings aren’t correct. What’s the point of increasing the volume if you still can’t make out what someone is saying to you?
A hearing aid that is not fit with a recent audiogram may damage your hearing more than help it.

Clarity of Sound Depends on Getting the Right Device for Your Hearing Loss

There are other features that are important when choosing a hearing device. For example, hearing aids often have artificial intelligence that improves sound quality, helps alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus, or reduces background noise. Depending on the exact nature of your hearing loss, these features may be important to address your hearing issues effectively.

In addition, we can help you monitor your hearing loss over time and adjust the settings in response to subtle changes.

It Pays to Get It Right – Hearing Loss Affects Your Overall Health

Not only has untreated hearing loss been associated with dementia and depression, it can also affect your health in subtle ways. In fact, studies have shown that untreated hearing loss can increase your healthcare costs by as much as 40% in just 10 years. Luckily, the reverse is also true: getting proper treatment for hearing loss has been shown to help restore cognitive abilities and reduce depression in adults with hearing loss. The key is to make sure the treatment is effective for the severity and type of your hearing loss. This all starts with a hearing test and evaluation.

Are Over-the-Counter Hearing Devices Right for You? Call or Text Us.

Woman with hearing loss at a yoga class.

Hearing Loss Affects Your Health

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