OTC Hearing aids With Bluetooth In 2024: Under $500!

Are you looking for affordable hearing aids? Or looking for bluetooth hearing aids?
If so, we recommend reading this article.
This article recommends the best hearing aids you can choose from and provides a comprehensive guide on essential factors to check before buying hearing aids.

Which Hearing Aids Should You Choose? Traditional Hearing Aids vs. OTC Hearing Aids

A man is pointing both sides with finger and there are bluetooth hearing aids on left side and there are traditional hearing aids on the right side

First, when choosing a hearing aid, you need to decide whether you will choose a prescription-required hearing aid or an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid that does not require a prescription.

The FDA granted permission in October 2022 for certain hearing aids that meet specific conditions under a certain regulation to be sold without a prescription. OTC hearing aids are recommended for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss because they can be worn and used without a prescription or professional assistance.

For the same reasons, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are only permitted for adults aged 18 and above. Individuals under 18 must undergo a hearing test and receive professional fitting and adjustments before using hearing aids.

There are 70 millions people with complete hearing loss in the world and 18% of people in the United States aged 12 years or older has hearing loss, based on National Center For Health's Statistics. (National Center For Health's Statistics 2017) (Gorman, Adele M. 2017)

However, According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, people in the US do seek treatment, but an average of 7-10 years passes before they are fitted with a hearing aid and effectively treated. (MultiCare Health System 2020)

If left untreated during moderate hearing loss, the progression of hearing loss can accelerate, and not only will sounds be less audible, but reduced auditory stimulation to the brain can potentially lead to conditions like dementia or cognitive impairment. (National Institutes of Health 2023)

Therefore, OTC hearing aids are approved devices that can allow many individuals with hearing loss, who may not have been able to afford or access prescription-required hearing aids, to more effectively manage their hearing due to their affordability and accessibility.

However, if your hearing loss is already at a moderate level or higher, it is strongly recommended to visit an otolaryngologist or a specialized audiologist for a comprehensive hearing evaluation and consider purchasing more expensive hearing aids tailored to your needs.

What's the deal with OTC hearing aids?

1. Affordable Price

Price comparison between otc hearing aids and traditional hearing aids in terms of device itself and set up price

Firstly, there is a significant price difference among hearing aids themselves. Prescription-required hearing aids typically average several thousand dollars, including older and larger models. Recently released hearing aids fall into much higher price ranges.

On the other hand, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids start from around $200. While some OTC hearing aids can cost over $2000, this contrasts with prescription-required hearing aids, which generally start at a minimum of $1000, providing individuals with many available options.(Anna Marie Jilla, Carole E Johnson, Nick Huntington-Klein 2020)

Furthermore, unlike general electronic devices, hearing aids serve as aids to assist our hearing. It is necessary to adjust the settings according to changes in our hearing condition. Ideally, one should undergo a hearing test and adjust the sound settings accordingly. However, for busy individuals, it can be challenging to invest time and money into visiting a doctor or audiologist to make these adjustments every time they need to hear better.

The typical hidden costs associated with hearing aids include initial setup fees through an audiologist and costs for rearrangements.

According to the 'Sidecar Health Care Calculator,' the cost of a single visit to an audiologist for consultation varies weekly but generally ranges from $80 to $140. Adding in hearing tests and sound adjustments typically amounts to around $300. (Sidecar Health Care Calculator 2024)

Of course, getting a hearing test and setup done by a professional is more accurate, but using an OTC hearing aid can save not only on the cost of the device itself but also on the setup and rearrangement expenses.

2. Convenience

Comparison table between otc hearing aids and traditional hearing aids in terms of Convenience

Considering that hearing aids typically last for 5 years and each person's needs may vary, but given that hearing aids are very sensitive devices, you'd likely need to adjust settings at least 3 times, totaling around $1000 in costs. (Dr. Mira J. Brooks 2017)

So, for the initial setup, users may need to visit a specialist at least once, and sometimes up to five times. Typically, after the initial fitting, one would revisit the audiologist around 5-6 weeks later.(NIH 2018)

After that, whenever adjustments are needed, they must visit an audiologist each time. This not only imposes financial burdens on users but also creates a significant time commitment.

However, with over-the-counter hearing aids, you can adjust the initial settings and adapt them yourself as your hearing changes.
Of course, since it's not set by a professional, personally adjusted settings may not be entirely suitable for one's hearing.

Bluetooth OTC Hearing Aids: Why should you choose a Bluetooth-enabled OTC hearing aid?

a woman is working out wearing olive max

1. Bluetooth Function Can Fully Offer Programmable OTC Hearing Aids Features

The greatest advantage of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids is the ability for individuals to adjust audio settings according to their own preferences and hearing needs.

Despite being OTC, advancements in hearing aid technology offer a variety of programmable features such as EQ adjustments, feedback reduction, and situational listening modes. However, to fully enjoy these diverse functionalities, relying solely on the volume buttons built into the hearing aid is naturally insufficient.

This is where the integration of the hearing aid with a dedicated application becomes essential. The technology required for this connection is Bluetooth capability.

Therefore, to maximize the advantages of OTC hearing aids, they should ideally be 'Bluetooth OTC hearing aids'.

2. Bluetooth functionality allows hearing aids to be used wirelessly like earbuds.

If you frequently stream music or videos through your phone, a Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid would undoubtedly be a great choice.

Do you use wireless earbuds like AirPods, or do you prefer wired headphones for listening to music or watching videos?

If you were to purchase a non-Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid, you'd need to switch between wearing the hearing aid and using your existing earbuds when listening to music.

Essentially, you'd need two types of devices for everyday use. Additionally, one drawback is that you can't hear ambient sounds clearly when listening to music.

However, Bluetooth hearing aids allow you to use them as both hearing aids and wireless earbuds. You can consider them as a combination of two types of devices.

The woman is considering an expensive Bluetooth hearing aid.

Of course, while Bluetooth OTC hearing aids are a good option for most people, they are often much more expensive than hearing aids that do not support Bluetooth.

Also, some Bluetooth OTC hearing aids may not provide much flexibility in basic sound settings, which can result in a less optimal experience.

However, there is a top-notch hearing aid available that is both very affordable and ensures a high level of customization and flexibility in settings.

Affordable Bluetooth Hearing Aids Under $500 For You: "Olive Max"

To achieve a balance of affordability and high performance in hearing aids, there are several conditions to consider:

Effective Background Noise Reduction:

Individuals with mild hearing loss often struggle to distinguish between background noise and essential sounds, impacting their daily lives. Olive Max employs proprietary technology to differentiate between background noise and essential sounds, selectively amplifying the latter. This feature enables comfortable conversations even in bustling environments like crowded restaurants.

Trusted Quality:

Many devices offering hearing assistance are simple sound amplifiers and not hearing aids. The distinction is significant because sound amplifiers lack the performance and functionality of hearing aids. It's common for individuals to mistake sound amplifiers for over-the-counter hearing aids, leading to uninformed purchases.
Olive Max is trusted globally and backed by the Olive Union brand, known for raising over $5 million in crowdfunding campaigns. Rest assured, Olive Max meets the highest standards of quality.

Customer Support Operations:

Many budget hearing aid companies lack dedicated customer support teams. Without reliable customer support, resolving issues that arise during hearing aid usage becomes challenging. However, Olive Union, the manufacturer and distributor of Olive Max, operates a customer support team available on weekdays via Call center, Live chat, Facebook messages, and comments. Purchasing Olive Max ensures ongoing support, eliminating worries about post-purchase issues.

Return Policy:

Given that many affordable hearing aids are sold online, the inability to physically try them on before purchase may deter consumers. Therefore, the availability of a return and refund policy is crucial. Fortunately, Olive Max offers a 30-day return window, allowing buyers to request returns if unsatisfied. Simply package the item and leave it for pickup within 30 days of delivery for a hassle-free return process.

Bluetooth Functionality Support:

Most budget-friendly hearing aids, even those priced at $500, often lack Bluetooth functionality, restricting them to basic hearing aid functions. However, Olive Max supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless pairing with smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. With Olive Max, users not only benefit from hearing assistance but also enjoy the convenience of streaming audio and making calls directly through the device.

Rechargeable Battery:

Have you ever considered the ongoing costs associated with hearing aid ownership? Traditional battery-operated hearing aids require frequent battery replacements, which can add up over time, especially if specialized batteries are needed. However, Olive Max features a rechargeable battery that eliminates ongoing expenses. Simply plug in the device using a USB-C charger, just like charging a smartphone, without the need for replacement batteries.

Feedback Reduction Function:

Amplifying sound can inadvertently amplify feedback when speaking, resulting in an unpleasant ringing sound. This feedback reduction feature requires advanced technology to effectively mitigate feedback. Olive Max incorporates feedback reduction functionality, ensuring clear sound amplification without intrusive feedback, aiding users in rapid adaptation to the device.

Olive Max fulfills all seven of these conditions, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking an affordable yet high-performing hearing aid solution.

If you order now, you can receive the hearing aid in just 3-4 days and try it out immediately. Don't miss this opportunity!

Click the link and BUY NOW!