Why You CAN’T Get OTC Hearing Aids For Kids

Just like every child is unique, so is every child’s hearing. That’s one of the reasons you can’t turn to Dr. Google to diagnose their hearing loss. And, also why you can’t buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for kids.

The FDA has approved OTC hearing aids for adults, meaning they can buy certain hearing aids without having to visit a hearing health professional. But children can’t use OTC hearing aids for several reasons. The biggest one? Those little ears are a big deal!

Why such a big deal? Hearing is important for brain development! Think of hearing aids as devices to activate your little one’s brain during those important development years. And those important devices need someone professionally trained in “brain activation” technology to make sure they’re working properly! A pediatric audiologist will monitor your child’s hearing, tailor devices to fit their unique needs, and make sure their brain is accessing all the sounds it needs to grow and develop!

OTC Hearing Aids

Let’s explore more reasons why OTC hearing aids aren’t an option for your child.

It goes against FDA regulations. 

OTC hearing aids are only approved for use by adults older than 18. They’re for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Your child has unique hearing loss and they need devices customized to their needs. 

OTC hearing aids can’t be custom-programmed. Your child’s pediatric audiologist will select devices and choose features based on their age and stage of development. They’ll specially program the hearing aids based on your child’s hearing loss. Devices not appropriately set may lead to delays in brain development and language skills.

Your child’s ears are growing and their hearing needs may change. 

Regular audiology appointments are critical. At these appointments, your child’s hearing status is monitored and devices are set correctly. You’ll go every 3 months until your child turns 3. Their ears are growing quickly so you’ll need to make sure those earmolds fit! Between ages 3 and 4, they'll go every six months. Once they’re older, your audiologist will recommend how often they should visit, likely once a year. 

OTC hearing aids can’t replace professional care. 

A pediatric audiologist is an important member of your child’s team. With specialized education and training, they diagnose and treat hearing loss in little ones. They provide key insight and help coordinate care with other professionals on your child’s team. Your child may need recommendations or referrals, and they can help with that!

If your child has been diagnosed with hearing loss and needs hearing devices, you should work with a pediatric audiologist right away. You don’t want them to miss a single moment of hearing your voice as you read bedtime stories, sing lullabies, or say “I love you.”

Here's what you can do right away if hearing loss is confirmed. This will put you and your child on the path toward learning to listen and talk.

1. Get your baby fit with the right hearing devices as soon as possible so they can hear all the sounds or information around them, especially your voice. You'll learn about the hearing device and audiological services your baby needs. Your audiologist will:
   • Select the best possible hearing device for your child 
   • Discuss costs and services for the hearing devices, including information about insurance coverage
   • Customize your baby's hearing devices so your baby’s brain can get complete and clear auditory information
   • Make sure the earmolds and devices fit well and are comfortable
   • Teach you how to care for the devices
   • Discuss enrolling immediately in early intervention based on the goals you have for your baby
   • Make a plan to manage and monitor your baby's hearing so you can catch any further hearing loss as early as possible
2. Enroll in early intervention services with a professional who is experienced in the communication outcome you want for your baby, like Listening and Spoken Language (LSL). There's a lot to consider but you can learn more about how to build your support team. 
3. Learn more about LSL and how to live the LSL life. Dive into what it takes with Living LSL, our family learning series. These on-demand webinars give you the chance to learn with pediatric audiologist, Dr. Carol Flexer. She covers the essentials of LSL and spells out the important need-to-know aspects of teaching a child who is deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk. Get a better understanding of your child’s hearing loss, how their brain works, and ways to help them learn to listen and talk.

Reach your dreams! With LSL intervention and the right hearing devices, your child can achieve the future you want for them. Take CiCi, for example. Born into a family bursting with jazz musicians, gospel singers, and music lovers of all kinds, CiCi's passion for music seemed predestined. Thanks to LSL she’s an accomplished ballerina. Find her LSL Life story here.

Tips for Keeping Hearing Devices on Little Ears

"Make sure your child wears their hearing devices during all waking hours” is the recommendation every parent hears from their pediatric audiologist. But keeping your baby’s curious hands away from their devices can be tricky! We've got some tips to help!

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