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The FDA wants you to be able to buy a hearing aid without a prescription

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Re: The FDA wants you to be able to buy a hearing aid without a prescription

#2
"People with mild or moderate hearing loss" should be free to purchase these sort of generic hearing aids in much the same way that buying non-prescription reading glasses is common. If problems persist, it is time to consult a professional.

Re: The FDA wants you to be able to buy a hearing aid without a prescription

#3

"People with mild or moderate hearing loss" should be free to purchase these sort of generic hearing aids in much the same way that buying non-prescription reading glasses is common. If problems persist, it is time to consult a professional.

Heck, imagine if prescription glasses were only available from government-certified vendors. We'd be back to paying $700 a pair like the bad old days.

Re: The FDA wants you to be able to buy a hearing aid without a prescription

#5
Some feature requests for hearing aid:

Can we get hearing aids that are bigger? These small hearing aids make it easier to lose, and I do not mind looking "disabled" to people.

Also would like to use bluetooth to both locate the hearing aids, and to connect to devices as needed.

Would be cool if the battery can be recharged as needed, maybe through usb-c if possible, but magnetic charging would be acceptable.

Re: The FDA wants you to be able to buy a hearing aid without a prescription

#6
post #5

Some feature requests for hearing aid: Can we get hearing aids that are bigger? These small hearing aids make it easier to lose, and I do not mind looking "disabled" to people. Also would like to use bluetooth to both locate the hearing aids, and to connect to devices as needed. Would be cool if the battery can be recharged as needed, maybe through usb-c if possible, but magnetic charging would be acceptable.

Do most elderly people even have the dexterity to use the teeny hearing aids on the market today?

Re: The FDA wants you to be able to buy a hearing aid without a prescription

#8
post #5

Some feature requests for hearing aid: Can we get hearing aids that are bigger? These small hearing aids make it easier to lose, and I do not mind looking "disabled" to people. Also would like to use bluetooth to both locate the hearing aids, and to connect to devices as needed. Would be cool if the battery can be recharged as needed, maybe through usb-c if possible, but magnetic charging would be acceptable.

I would add better integration with mobile devices beyond bluetooth. I'm thinking a startup could create hearing aids with self-tuning apps that employ spectral analysis and echolocation capabilities for improving situational awareness of the wearer.

Re: The FDA wants you to be able to buy a hearing aid without a prescription

#9
post #5

Some feature requests for hearing aid: Can we get hearing aids that are bigger? These small hearing aids make it easier to lose, and I do not mind looking "disabled" to people. Also would like to use bluetooth to both locate the hearing aids, and to connect to devices as needed. Would be cool if the battery can be recharged as needed, maybe through usb-c if possible, but magnetic charging would be acceptable.

Do most elderly people even have the dexterity to use the teeny hearing aids on the market today?

Not just elderly people. Rechargable devices would be a boon.

Re: The FDA wants you to be able to buy a hearing aid without a prescription

#10
post #5

Some feature requests for hearing aid: Can we get hearing aids that are bigger? These small hearing aids make it easier to lose, and I do not mind looking "disabled" to people. Also would like to use bluetooth to both locate the hearing aids, and to connect to devices as needed. Would be cool if the battery can be recharged as needed, maybe through usb-c if possible, but magnetic charging would be acceptable.

I've got an Oticon that has Bluetooth to connect to the phone for the purpose of changing settings, streaming as well as locating it. It charges using magnetic charging in a little (proprietary) charging station.
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