The 2022 US Food and Drug Administration decision to allow over-the-counter hearing aids has turned a medical device category into a consumer-technology market. WIRED's latest roundup, based on four years of testing more than 65 models, shows a wide price range: from roughly $100 devices to prescription aids costing $4,000 or more. The report names Jabra Enhance Select M3 the best OTC aid, Resound Sensia 9 the best prescription aid, and Apple AirPods Pro 3 the best earbuds/hearing-aid combo for newcomers.
WIRED argues that affordability remains a major barrier, with steep prices and minimal insurance coverage causing many people to delay treatment. It advises shoppers to know their budget, use trial periods, and get an in-office audiogram rather than relying only on online tests. The review also notes that modern in-the-ear designs have made hearing aids less conspicuous, which matters for the nearly 10 million Americans under 60 with hearing loss.
This article is based on a single source, so there are no independent perspectives to compare. The business takeaway is straightforward: the OTC rule expanded the market beyond traditional prescription channels, putting hearing technology in the same conversation as consumer earbuds and wearables.