Shapiro Praises Final FDA Rule Creating OTC Hearing Aid Category

CTA hailed the FDA’s final rule, published in Wednesday’s Federal Register, establishing a category of over-the-counter hearing aids for consumers with mild to moderate hearing loss for purchase at a pharmacy or online without the need for a visit to an audiologist. OTC hearing aids “will benefit tens of millions of Americans, reducing the cost, social isolation and stigma experienced by many people with mild to moderate hearing loss,” said CTA President Gary Shapiro Tuesday. “After a decade of pushing, this change removes hurdles to distributing affordable and accessible hearing aids.”