Best Buy to sell over-the-counter hearing aids following new federal rule

Adam Barnes
·2 min read

Story at a glance

  • The company said its expanded suite of devices will include the “new FDA-regulated category of over-the-counter hearing devices to help perceived mild or moderate hearing loss.”

  • Customers will also have access to a new online tool that will help identify their level of hearing loss and specific product needs.

  • The Food and Drug Administration’s new rule permits over-the-counter purchase of hearing aids without a prescription or medical exam.

Best Buy announced Wednesday it will begin selling an expanded collection of hearing devices this fall following a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruling allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter.

“Our expansion of the hearing collection and new store experience will let customers easily find a hearing loss solution from brands they trust,” Frank Bedo, category officer at Best Buy, said in a statement.

“Our customers come to us for quality tech products and expertise, and this fall we’ll be able to better help them find the right solutions specific to their needs,” Bedo added.

The company said its expanded suite of devices will include the “new FDA-regulated category of over-the-counter hearing devices to help perceived mild or moderate hearing loss,” with an in-store experience at 300 stores.

Customers will also have access to a new online tool that will help identify their level of hearing loss and specific product needs.

America is changing faster than ever! Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news.

The Food and Drug Administration’s new rule permits over-the-counter purchase of hearing aids without a prescription or medical exam by adults 18 and older — a move the Biden administration said would lower costs and increase competition.

“This action makes good on my commitment to lower costs for American families, delivering nearly $3,000 in savings to American families for a pair of hearing aids and giving people more choices to improve their health and wellbeing,” President Biden said.

“It’s the latest action we are taking to make our economy more competitive and less concentrated,” Biden added. “When too few companies dominate, American consumers pay higher costs.”

The agency said close to 30 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.