Over the Counter vs Prescription Hearing Aids

Program Description

Close up shot of young man wearing a hearing aid writing on paper.

Recorded: July 26, 2023 – It is estimated that 15% of American adults have hearing loss or difficulty hearing. People living with hearing difficulties often feel isolated and left out of important conversations. They can also feel fatigued from the effort of communicating with others and engaging in their environment. To overcome these difficulties assistive devices or even amplification may be needed. Traditionally amplification has been prescriptive hearing aids fit by an audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. Recently over-the-counter devices have been approved to create more options for people with hearing loss. However, it is difficult to know what kind of amplification is appropriate (prescriptive or over the counter). Dr. Franklin, an audiologist from Pine Tree Society, plans to present the definition of over-the-counter devices, how they are different from prescriptive hearing aids, and making the appropriate choice.

Presenter

Ayris Franklin, AuD, CCC-A, F-AAA – Dr. Ayris Franklin is a local clinical audiologist. She is currently the Audiology Manager at Pine Tree Society in Maine. There she consults with patients daily for their hearing healthcare needs and oversees daily operations of the audiology department. She has a doctoral degree from LSUHSC-New Orleans and is on the board for the Maine Academy of Audiology. She is an advocate for patient education and looks forward to presenting this topic.

Resources

Please note that a certificate of attendance is not provided for watching the recorded webinar. To receive a certificate of attendance you must have attended the live training, completed the evaluation, and included your email address.

Resources discussed in webinar:

Over the Counter vs Prescription Hearing Aids PowerPoint – PDF

Over the Counter vs Prescription Hearing Aids Handout – PDF

Rev: 7/25/2023