Consumer Education Guide:
Understanding Hearing Aid Options
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Kathy Hochul, Governor
Walter T. Mosley, Secretary of State
Guide to Understanding Hearing Aid Options
This guide provides a comparison of consumers’ options when purchasing hearing aids.
If you’re considering over-the-counter hearing aids, use this chart to evaluate your options and identify key differences when choosing between over-the-counter or traditional prescription hearing aids.
Professionally Fitted Hearing Aids • VS • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids
HEARING TEST
- A Registered Professional Will:
- Test your hearing and you will receive a copy of the audiogram test. The results will be used to help you pick a product that meets your needs.
- Check your ears for wax build up that could be blocking your hearing.
- Refer you to a specialist if your hearing tests reveal a condition that is medically treatable.
- You will not receive a hearing test when you buy over-the-counter hearing aids.
CHOOSING A HEARING AID
- A Registered Professional will:
- Discuss your specific hearing needs to help you pick a hearing aid that is most appropriate for you and your budget.
- A registered professional can help you find the right hearing aid for any level of hearing loss, including severe or profound hearing loss.
- Generally prescription hearing aids cost more than over-the-counter hearing aids. However, the hearing aid provider may verify your insurance to see if coverage is available.
- You will need to pick the product yourself. Different brands and models of over-the-counter hearing aids have different features, customer service availability, return policies, and set-up processes. You will need to do your research to make sure the device you pick can meet your needs.
- Over-the counter hearing aids are generally the least expensive option available.
- Over-the-counter hearing aids must comply with regulations limiting how much sound they can amplify, meaning they are not suitable to treat severe hearing loss. These hearing aids are intended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
HEARING AID FITTINGS
- A registered professional will program the device to your unique hearing needs. They will also make sure the device is comfortable and properly fits. The provider will work with you to make sure you are able to correctly use the device on your own.
- You are responsible for ensuring a proper fit and professional assistance is not provided.
RETURNS & WARRANTIES
- A registered dispenser must allow you to return the device within 45 days and is required to issue you a refund.
- Check the product return and refund policies before you buy. You may not be able to return or get a refund on an over-the-counter hearing aid purchase.
- Over-the-counter hearing aids are also required to include a short, accurate statement of the manufacturer’s return policy on the product’s package (if they allow for returns at all). Over-the-counter hearing aids are not required to provide a warranty.
FOLLOW UP VISITS AND RESOLUTION OF ISSUES
- A registered professional will schedule follow-up visits as necessary to address any difficulties you may have with the device. They are also required to be available to provide adjustments and servicing for any hearing aids they have dispensed.
- If you run into any issues with the hearing aids, you will need to contact the device manufacturer. There are no industry standards or laws requiring assistance be provided after you purchase the over-the-counter hearing aid.
ROUTINE CLEANING AND SOUND QUALITY CHECKS
- If you purchase a hearing aid from a registered dispenser, you can take your device back to the dispenser for routine cleaning and maintenance for the best performance.
- You will not receive routine cleaning and sound quality check services when you purchase over-the-counter hearing aids.
Consumer Guide for Purchasing Prescription Hearing Aids
in New York State
You don’t hear well and you’ve decided to do something about it.
You have many unanswered questions:
- Do you need a hearing aid?
- Where do you go to get your hearing evaluated?
- What kind of hearing aid should you buy?
- Will a hearing aid restore normal hearing?
Where Do You Begin?
You may consider purchasing an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid, or a hearing aid prescribed by a hearing health professional. To understand the differences between OTC and prescription devices, please see Consumer Education Guide: Understanding Hearing Aid Options.
https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/05/hearingaidguide.pdf
If you decide to purchase a prescription hearing aid, you should consider the information contained within this brochure.
You may visit a licensed physician, preferably one specializing in diseases of the ear, for a medical evaluation before purchasing a hearing aid. This will ensure that medically treatable conditions that may affect your hearing are identified and treated before a hearing aid is purchased.
Once you have determined that your hearing difficulties are not medically or surgically correctable, you should have your hearing tested by a registered audiologist or registered hearing aid dispenser. New York State requires that all dispensing audiologists and hearing aid dispensers be registered with the Department of State and that they display their business and individual dispenser registrations prominently at their place of business.
Selecting a Hearing Aid Dispenser
Only audiologists, hearing aid dispensers, otolaryngologists and otologists are permitted to fit and sell hearing aids in New York State. The same level of service should be expected from all.
Selecting a hearing care professional is extremely important because you are choosing a person with whom you will have a long-term relationship. Because of the importance of hearing in one’s everyday life, you will want the relationship to be trusting and comfortable.
What You Should Tell the Dispenser
Communication with your audiologist or hearing aid dispenser should be a two-way street. Express your needs and concerns clearly so that they can address them to your satisfaction.
The Hearing Test and Evaluation
The audiologist or hearing aid dispenser will conduct a series of tests to determine the type and extent of your hearing loss. These tests are painless and assess your ability to hear tones, as well as to understand speech. The results of your hearing examination are recorded on an “audiogram” and should be explained to you. New York State law requires that you receive a copy of your audiogram, whether or not you purchase a hearing aid.
Binaural Hearing (using both ears)
If you have hearing loss in both ears, you should consider a binaural fitting (two hearing aids). The advantages to wearing two aids may include improved listening in noisy environments, improved speech understanding and the ability to determine both distance and direction of sounds.
Hearing Aid Selection
Your individual hearing loss and needs will be considered in selecting the right aids and options for you. Be willing to consider all styles of hearing aids, as there may be specific reasons why certain types would be best for you. Be aware that there is no “best” hearing aid for everyone.
Telecoils (T-Coils) and Assistive Listening Technology
State law requires hearing care professionals to inform you of the benefits of telecoil technology, looped environments and assistive listening devices. Before making a purchasing decision, you should be given the option of obtaining a hearing aid or aids that contain a telecoil (or T-coil).
Telecoils are tiny circuits imbedded in hearing aids to enable the user to receive an audio signal wirelessly in environments that have installed hearing loops or utilize other assistive listening systems. Your dispensing professional is required to explain how hearing assistive technology can help maximize your ability to understand speech coming from the television, in group settings or at a distance from the source, such as theaters, museums, banks, and other venues where audio signals and speech are present.
Keep Your Expectations Realistic
Hearing aids will not correct hearing in the way that glasses correct vision, nor will hearing aids restore normal hearing. The secret to success is having realistic expectations. You should know that hearing aids won’t allow you to hear as you once did, and that it is difficult for hearing aids to provide optimal hearing in background noise.
The Sales Contract
As a New York State consumer, you have legal rights when purchasing a hearing aid. Be sure to get a purchase agreement or sales contract containing all the terms of the transaction in writing. Read it carefully. It should include the following items: the state registration numbers of both the dispensing audiologist or hearing aid dispenser and his or her office; office location, telephone number and hours of operation; date of purchase; manufacturer, model and serial number; total price, payment terms, refund provisions, adjustment services, and warranty information.
Satisfaction Guarantee
New York State requires that audiologists and hearing aid dispensers grant a 45-day satisfaction guarantee. If you purchased a hearing aid in New York, you have the right to cancel the transaction for any reason prior to midnight of the 45th calendar day from the date of purchase and return the hearing aid in the same condition (ordinary wear and tear excluded by law). The seller is allowed to retain an amount up to ten percent of the total price of the canceled hearing aid, including all fitting fees, batteries and accessories.
State Agencies
New York Department of State (DOS)
• Division of Licensing Services (DLS)
The New York State Department of State licenses and regulates the dispensing of hearing aids by audiologists, hearing aid dispensers and other hearing care professionals.
Questions regarding any aspect of hearing aid dispensing may be directed to the number below.
The Department’s website contains the current law and regulations pertinent to hearing aid dispensing, as well as frequently asked questions.
Hearing Aid Dispenser Information:
(518) 474-4429
Complaint Hotline (toll-free; voice/TTY):
(877) 545-5864
• Division of Consumer Protection (DCP)
Consumers with questions about hearing aid sales, contract negotiations and warranty specifics or any consumer-related issue may contact the Consumer Assistance Hotline.
Consumer Assistance Hotline:
(518) 474-8583 or (800) 697-1220
Website: https://dos.ny.gov
New York State Education Department (NYSED)
• Office of the Professions (OP)
The New York State Education Department licenses and regulates audiologists to practice in New York State.
Audiologist Information: (518) 474-3817, ext. 100
Complaints: (800) 442-8106
Website: www.op.nysed.gov
New York State Department of Health (DOH)
• Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC)
The New York State Department of Health licenses and regulates physicians.
Complaints/Inquiries: (518) 402-0836 or (800) 663-6114
The New York State Department of Health strives to protect and promote the health of New Yorkers through prevention, science and the assurance of quality health care delivery.
Public Health Duty Officer Helpline (toll-free):
(866) 881-2809
Website: www.health.ny.gov
Kathy Hochul
Governor
07/24
Walter T. Mosley
Secretary of State