FDA rule clears the way for cheaper, over-the-counter hearing aids

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday issued its long-awaited final rule allowing the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids, a move aimed at increasing access and bringing down costs for millions of Americans.

This means consumers will no longer need a prescription to purchase these types of hearing aids that could be available for online and in retail stores by mid-October. The move is expected to increase competition and eventually lower prices.

In Minnesota, medical device manufacturers were split on the news, with long-established hearing aid maker Starkey disappointed by elements of the final rule while other companies such as Intricon Corp., celebrated it.

https://www.startribune.com/fda-rules-clears-the-way-for-cheaper-over-the-counter-hearing-aids/600198860/