Did you know that in Canada, the only hearing aids that can be advertised are hearing aids authorized for sale by Health Canada?

Despite OTC hearing devices being more affordable than prescribed hearing aids, they will cost you in the long run – both financially and medically.

A prescription is require to purchase a legal hearing aid in Ontario. However, in the United States of America, OTC hearing devices can be sold without a prescription in stores or online. These OTC hearing devices are NOT authorized for sale in Ontario. Health Canada monitors illegal advertisement and, when necessary, may recommend criminal charges against those who do market and sell OTC hearing devices.

There are major differences between OTC hearing devices and prescription hearing aids. OTC hearing devices do not require a prescription and therefore cannot be customized to fit your hearing loss and lifestyle needs. OTC hearing devices simply amplify all sounds, which can ultimately over-amplify causing more harm to your hearing. On the other hand, they can also under-amplify sounds if ones hearing loss is severe.

Furthermore, a missed diagnoses could easily occur with OTC hearing devices, since the hearing practitioner is not present to offer their expertise. Hearing practitioners can detect any red flags that may require further medical analysis. It is important to confirm that your hearing issues are not due to any other medical conditions.

Members of the public are encouraged to seek professional advice prior to making any decisions regarding their overall hearing healthcare. The first step would be to get your hearing tested by a licensed Hearing Practitioner.