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 In this section:

                Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids

                        Hearing Loss
          Types of Hearing Aids
          Hearing Aid Benefits and Limitations
          Hearing Aids and Cellphones
          How to Get Hearing Aids
          OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know
          Other Hearing Devices and Products Home
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          Consumer Products
          Hearing Aids
          Hearing Aid Benefits and LimitationsHearing Aids Hearing Aid Benefits and Limitations
  
  	
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What are the benefits of hearing aids?
	Do hearing aids have limitations?
	When should I see a doctor?
	How do I report device problems to the FDA?What are the benefits of hearing aids?

You may hear sounds that you have not previously heard.
	You may hear speech over the telephone more clearly.
	You may communicate more easily with family and friends.
	You may improve communication in noisy listening situations, such as at a restaurant or in a large group of people.Do hearing aids have limitations?

Hearing aids do NOT restore normal hearing, unlike eyeglasses or contact lenses which can restore 20/20 vision.
	Hearing aids can amplify all sounds, including background noise, that you may not want to hear.
	Hearing aids usually entail an adjustment period that may take several months. You may also need to adjust hearing aid settings over time.
	When you begin to use hearing aids, many sounds, including your voice, might seem too loud.
	You may need to learn how to adjust the settings for hearing aids that might have more complicated technology.
	Hearing aids can be expensive.Aural rehabilitation may help overcome potential hearing aid limitations. Aural rehabilitation is a patient-centered approach to reduce the impact of hearing loss on communication. For more information about aural rehabilitation, please see the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) website for Adult Aural/Audiologic Rehabilitation and Child Aural/Audiologic Rehabilitation.

When should I see a doctor?

While the FDA believes a medical evaluation may not be necessary for people 18 years of age and older before buying hearing aids, if you experience any of the following conditions, you should consult a doctor, preferably an ear specialist:

Visible deformities of the ear since birth or from trauma
	Fluid, pus, or blood coming out of the ear in the past six months
	Pain or discomfort in the ear
	History of excessive ear wax or suspicion that something is in the ear canal
	Episodes of vertigo (a sensation of spinning or swaying) or severe dizziness
	Sudden, quickly worsening, or fluctuating hearing loss in the past six months
	Hearing loss or ringing (tinnitus) only in one ear or a noticeable difference in hearing between one ear and the other earPlease see the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery's website for a complete list of "Red Flags - Warning of Ear Disease."

How do I report device problems to the FDA?

Tell the FDA about injuries, malfunctions, or other adverse events. To report an adverse event, you should submit the information to the FDA as soon as possible after the event. Adverse events may include ear canal or outer ear skin irritation, injury from the device (like cuts or scratches, or burns from an overheated battery), pieces of the device lodged in your ear canal, or sudden increased severity in hearing loss with device use. You can call FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to request a reporting form or report online. Instructions and online forms are available at MedWatch.

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      11/18/2022
              
              
Regulated Product(s)
		 Medical DevicesHearing Aids

          
                        Hearing Loss
          Types of Hearing Aids
          Hearing Aid Benefits and Limitations
          Hearing Aids and Cellphones
          How to Get Hearing Aids
          OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know
          Other Hearing Devices and Products
 
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