Late Night Health Radio

The Food and Drug Administration recently decided to allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter without a prescription to adults, a long-sought wish of consumers frustrated by expensive exams and even more expensive devices. Now, under the FDA’s new rule, people with mild to moderate hearing loss will be able to buy hearing aids online and in stores as early as October 16, without being required to see a doctor for an exam to get a prescription. The high cost of hearing aids, which are not covered by basic Medicare, has discouraged millions of Americans from buying the devices but with the new rule, consumers can buy more affordable hearing aids at their favorite retailer or pharmacy. On October 11th, we have Brian Maguire– Senior Vice President of Lexie Hearing – available to explain what this historic change will mean for consumers. It’s estimated that 30 million Americans experience hearing loss, but only one-fifth get help. Health experts say that untreated hearing loss can contribute to cognitive dec