OTC Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know to Help You and Your Patients

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM EDT

Location: Wabash Ballroom 3

Disclosure(s):

Yu-Lan Mary Ying, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Vinaya Manchaiah, PhD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Recent high profile, national efforts and legislation have brought sweeping changes to how adults are able to access hearing care in the United States. This panel will review the basics of FDA regulation of hearing devices, including a historical perspective and the latest developments. We will provide an overview of currently available devices, including key features to consider, along with tips on counseling patients and their families to optimize usability among older adults. The panel will share opportunities on how to incorporate OTC devices into otolaryngology practice. Finally, we will discuss complimentary public health and policy changes that are needed to support the advancement of affordable, accessible hearing care. Overall, the course will provide clinicians with the information they need to know on the rapidly evolving landscape of hearing care and how to best serve their patients with hearing loss.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Explain the basics of federal regulations related to over-the-counter hearing aids.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Analyze key components of assessing OTC hearing devices and technology for patients with hearing loss.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Compare currently available OTC hearing devices in order to aid patients with decision making around their hearing care.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Federal regulation opened the market for OTC hearing aids in 2022. This presentation will cover practical basics of OTC regulations, currently available devices, how to integrate them into practice, and explore additional policies needed to help otolaryngologists serve our patients.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

Moderator(s)

Carrie L. Nieman, MD, MPH

Associate Professor
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Panelist(s)

Carrie L. Nieman, MD, MPH

Associate Professor
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Frank Lin, MD PHD

Associate Professor
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Moderator(s)

YY

Yu-Lan Mary Ying, MD

Professor
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Millburn, NJ, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

YY

Yu-Lan Mary Ying, MD

Professor
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Millburn, NJ, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Vinaya Manchaiah, PhD

Professor and Director of Audiology
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Aurora, CO, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.