FDA OTC Hearing Aids Act (HAA) of 2017 Blueprint

“Hearing loss has a profound impact on daily communication, social interaction and the overall health and quality of life for millions of Americans,” said Dr. Robert Califf, the F.D.A. commissioner

In 2016, a proposal for the FDA to approve over-the-counter hearing aids was released in a report by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.

March of 2017, to promote competition, encourage innovation, and cut down prices, US Senate, introduced a bill enabling the FDA agency to update its predated regulatory, allowing hearing aids available over the counter. Congress approved the legislation and President Trump signed it into law.

July 9, 2021, calling for greater competition in the economy, President Biden issued an EXECUTIVE ORDER, which urged the FDA to follow through with the OTC proposed rule endeavor “to promote the wide availability of low-cost hearing aids.”.

October 20, 2021, the FDA finalized the proposed rule after receiving and reviewing more than 1,000 public comments submitted by consumers, professional associations, hearing aid manufacturers, public health organizations and advocacy groups, members of Congress, state agencies, and other stakeholders. The essential requirements of the proposed FINAL RULING including but not limited to performance specifications and device design requirements specific to OTC hearing aids, such as reduce maximum sound output at 111 decibels and revising the insertion depth limit at 10mm from eardrum. The rule also requires all OTC hearing aids to have a user-adjustable volume control and concise product labeling.

August 17, 2022 - The FDA released its final ruling, established a regulatory category allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter without a prescription to adults, aged 18 and over with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Simultaneously, the FDA also issued the final guidance, regulatory requirements for hearing aid devices and Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs), to define the differences between hearing aids (medical devices), and PSAPs as consumer products that amplify sounds.  

Per FDA final rule, people with mild to moderate hearing loss should be able to buy hearing aids online and in retail stores, hearing exam or hearing prescription are not needed at purchasing.

The FDA cited studies statistic around 30 million Americans experience hearing loss, but roughly only 20% could afford hearing help. Costs for hearing aids, include doctor visits, range from about $1,500 to roughly $4,500 or more. With the approved changes from OTC final ruling, will most benefit all-inclusive hearing impaired.

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked. *