This popular retail chain will allow you to buy over -the -counter hearing aids from this fall
The FDA has created a new category of regulation which finally allows sale.
In the United States, around 30 million peoplehearing loss, estimates of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which may have a number ofnegative effects on the quality of life. Fortunately, hearing aids are a practical and effective tool, but not everyone has access to it. In fact, the FDA estimates that only one fifth of people who would benefit from hearing aid in fact require professional aid. This could quickly change, because a popular retailer will soon allow you to buy affordable hearing aids at the counter. Read the rest to find out where you can recover these essential medical devices this fall.
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The FDA recently moved to make hearing aids cheaper and more accessible.
On August 16, the FDA published one "final rule“This has established a regulatory category for over -the -counter hearing aids (OTC). , then has a montage made by an audiologist, the agency said in the press release. The action is also intended to reduce the cost of these devices, which are generally expensive, creating an obstacle to care.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
The FDA had to implement a category for over -the -counter hearing aids thanks to the bipartite legislation adopted by the congress in 2017. However, it has not been entirely introduced, and follows the presidentJoe BidenExecutive Decree On the promotion of competition in the American economy, which established a deadline for 120 days for the FDA in order to allow the sale of over -the -counter hearing aids.
"Hearing loss is a critical public health problem that affects the ability of millions of Americans to communicate effectively in their daily social interactions", FDA commissionerRobert M. CaliffMD, said in the press release. "The establishment of this new regulatory category will allow people with light to moderate hearing loss perceived to have practical access to a range of safe, efficient and affordable hearing aids from their neighborhood or online store."
A popular retailer will start sales in the fall.
According to the press release, over-the-counter hearing aids should be sold in retail stores, pharmacies and online by mid-October, because the FDA rule formally takes effect on October 17.
ThePopular electronics retailer Best Buy will be an essential destination for these devices, the company said in a press release on August 17. An "store experience" will be offered in 300 of the nearly 1,000 Best Buy stores, including an "extended collection of hearing aids".
"Our expansion of the auditory collection and the new experience in store will allow customers to easily find a hearing loss solution of brands in which they trust", "Frank Bedo, said the category officer at Best Buy, in the press release. "Our customers come to us for quality technological products and expertise, and this fall, we will be able to better help them find the right solutions specific to their needs."
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Best Buy has sold hearing solutions in the past.
Although the introduction of over -the -counter hearing aids is beneficial for many people with hearing loss, Best Buy has already sold other devices to help those who have hearing loss. According to the press release, the company sells personal sound amplification products (PSAP), self-adjusted hearing aids, television amplifiers and hearing protection devices, among others.
Those under 18 or with severe hearing loss will always have to obtain a prescription for hearing aid, but for everyone, Best Buy intends to offer a wide selection. The company will sell hearing aids from Lexie Hearing, Nuheara, Jabra Enhance Plus, Lucid Hearing Fio and Engage, and Eargo 6, as well as options from other "brands of confidence in space".
To pay the devices, CNBC indicated that customers could useHealth savings accounts (HSAS) and flexible expenditure accounts (FSA). Best Buy also recommends that you check your insurance coverage in advance.
You can use an online tool to identify hearing loss.
The retailers will also be able to sell over -the -counter hearing aids online, but Best Buy goes further. Via a partnership with Hearx, Best Buy now offers aOnline hearing assessment tool. This can help you determine your level of hearing loss and select an appropriate device when buying online.
If you prefer to buy hearing aid in store, you can scan a QR code in participating locations to access the hearing assessment tool and receive the help of a Best Buy partner.
