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- (303) 651-1178
- Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30
Menu
Cyber Monday Discount 20%
If you haven’t done the research, the way Nano hearing aids are marketed may be misleading. The truth is, Nano hearing aids don’t work the same as traditional hearing aids.
Nano hearing aids are marketed as over-the-counter hearing aids. Technically, they are substandard when compared to regular hearing aids from major hearing aid brands. Nano hearing aids are also referred to as personal sound amplification products or PSAPs. If you haven’t done the research, the way Nano hearing aids are marketed may be misleading. The truth is, Nano hearing aids don’t work the same as traditional hearing aids.
In 2017, a law was established as part of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, to create a category of OTC hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. It’s worth noting that the Food and Drug Administration clearly separates PSAPs from hearing aids.
Unlike PSAPs and over-the-counter hearing aids, prescription hearing aids are classified as FDA-regulated class 1 medical devices to treat hearing loss. Nano hearing aids fall under the OTC category which means that anyone can purchase them, with or without prescription. By comparison, traditional hearing aids need to be prescribed, fitted and programmed by an audiologist or ENT.
Some consumers are attracted to the accessibility of PSAPs or OTC hearing aids. However, these devices are not guaranteed to treat hearing loss. Yes, they are designed to amplify sounds, but they are not fully customizable or programmable to address various types of hearing loss.
While traditional hearing aids are powered with technology to make them smart enough to distinguish and/or separate noise from relevant sound, OTC hearing aids are not as intelligent. Traditional hearing aids are highly customizable and are programmed by licensed professionals based on a doctor’s prescription or audiogram.
OTC hearing aids and PSAPs are usually mass-produced. Quality assurance is not as strict when manufacturing PSAPs as compared to the manufacture of traditional hearing aids. Using unfit hearing aids, especially with severe to profound hearing loss, may cause more harm than good. For serious hearing loss, Nano hearing aids, or other OTC hearing aids, should not be considered. For severe to profound hearing loss, an audiologist-recommended hearing aid is best.
With many OTC hearing aids available on the market currently, wading through the good and bad models is quite tricky. If you don’t want to waste your time and money, we highly recommend seeking the opinion of an expert. If you’re in Colorado, our team at Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center is more than happy to assist you with your hearing aid concerns.
Some may say that getting hearing aids at a significantly cheaper price than those offered by an audiology clinic is a great deal. At the end of the day – are you really sure you’re really getting a good deal though?
When it comes to hearing loss solutions, the performance and quality of the device plays a critical role in the success of a patient’s hearing journey. A person who experiences an unsatisfactory outcome with hearing aids may end up losing their faith in hearing aids in general.
Hearing aids that are prescribed by a licensed professional can open new doors and opportunities for effective communication. With the right hearing aid fitting, adjustment, and programming, people with hearing loss can enjoy a whole new level of amplification.
If you have been clinically diagnosed with severe to profound hearing loss, Nano hearing aids are not the ideal choice. We highly recommend consulting with an audiologist when it comes to hearing aid selection, fitting, and programming.
Proper hearing aid fitting entails the use of a real ear measurement, a verification process that ensures a patient is getting the maximum benefits out of a hearing device. Since Nano hearing aids can be bought without a hearing test, the result is your purchase is truly hit or miss. While not as expensive as traditional hearing aids, it is often a waste of money because the outcome is not effective. The many sales and promotions on the internet may be enticing, as they attempt to convince customers to purchase a set of hearing aids right away without consulting an audiologist or getting a hearing test. However, proper research and decision making is key if you want to acquire hearing aids that are effective and worth the investment. Audiologists are the best healthcare professionals who can help you select the proper hearing aids for your specific hearing needs.
