Are AirPods Pro hearing aids?
What the FDA's September 2024 authorization of Apple's Hearing Aid Feature approved, who it fits, and where AirPods fall short of dedicated hearing aids.
Read the explainer →
Consumer Guides
Plain-English guides to hearing aids and hearing health.
Written for adults and seniors who are early in their research, not for hearing professionals. Every guide focuses on practical buying and daily-life questions, with references to public clinical sources.
Last reviewed: May 13, 2026 · Reviewed by: Dr Jeffrey Smith, AuD, Editor-in-Chief
In short
If hearing change is gradual, affects both ears, and shows up mostly in noisy rooms, a self-fitting OTC hearing aid is a reasonable first step. Sudden, one-sided, painful, or rapidly progressing hearing loss is a reason to see a licensed audiologist or ENT first. Before buying any OTC device, confirm in writing: at least a 45-day risk-free trial, a 1-year+ warranty, clear support channels, and the smartphone/app requirements for setup and daily use.
Buying decisions
How much do hearing aids cost in 2026?
OTC pairs $200–$2,500; prescription pairs $2,500–$6,000 bundled. Where the money goes, Costco pricing, HSA/FSA, and how to reduce out-of-pocket cost.
Read the guide →Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Original Medicare excludes hearing aids. Medicare Advantage usually covers some of the cost. The full 2026 coverage picture, including VA and HSA/FSA.
Read the guide →OTC vs prescription hearing aids
What the FDA's 2022 OTC rule changed, who each category serves, and the differences in fitting, follow-up care, and cost.
Read the guide →Best OTC hearing aids for seniors in 2026
How to evaluate over-the-counter hearing aids on the dimensions that actually matter once you start wearing them daily.
Read the guide →How self-fitting hearing aids work
What an FDA-cleared self-fitting device is, how an in-app hearing test calibrates amplification, and where self-fitting falls short.
Read the explainer →Do hearing aids help tinnitus?
What the AAO-HNS Clinical Practice Guideline and Cochrane review actually conclude — and when tinnitus is a reason to see a clinician.
Read the review →Hearing loss and dementia: what ACHIEVE found
The honest read of the 2023 ACHIEVE randomised trial and the 2024 Lancet Commission's framing of hearing loss as a midlife dementia risk factor.
Read the explainer →How to read an audiogram
What the symbols mean, the dB HL severity bands, common configurations, and what an audiogram cannot tell you. Includes a labelled example diagram.
Read the explainer →Hearing aid & audiology glossary
Plain-English definitions of ~30 hearing aid, audiology, and FDA-regulatory terms — audiogram, presbycusis, RIC, BTE, PSAP, real-ear measurement, and more.
Open the glossary →Recognizing hearing change
Signs your family notices first
People with gradual hearing loss often don't notice it themselves. Common early signals: asking people to repeat themselves, turning the TV up, missing parts of phone calls, withdrawing from group conversations, and mishearing in restaurants. If two of these are familiar, it's worth a hearing screen.
When to see an audiologist (not OTC)
Sudden hearing loss, one-sided loss, pain, drainage, ringing that won't stop (tinnitus), dizziness, or hearing loss after a head injury are all reasons to skip OTC products and see a clinician. OTC hearing aids are FDA-regulated only for perceived mild-to-moderate loss in adults 18+.
How a hearing test actually works
An audiologist plays tones at different pitches and volumes and maps the softest sound you can hear at each — producing an audiogram. Self-administered in-app tests follow the same logic but with less precision than a sound booth.
Before you buy online
Trial period & return policy
Most reputable OTC sellers offer at least a 45-day risk-free trial. Read the return rules carefully — some require the original packaging or charge a restocking fee.
Warranty length
Look for at least a 1-year warranty on the device itself, separate from the trial window. Premium products often offer 2-year coverage.
Support channels
Phone support during U.S. business hours and access to a hearing professional (even by video) are useful, especially for first-time users.
App requirements
If the device requires a smartphone for setup, confirm whether it works with both iOS and Android, and what the experience is like without the app for daily use.
Battery vs rechargeable
Rechargeable models are easier for many seniors. Confirm typical battery life per charge and how the charging case behaves when traveling.
Fit & comfort
Multiple dome or tip sizes usually ship in the box. Plan to try a few during the first week — the right fit is the single biggest predictor of daily wear.
Editorial note. Guides on this page are reviewed against FDA OTC hearing aid guidance and public NIDCD resources. See our editorial standards for how claims are sourced.