Now that hearing aids are available over-the-counter instead just by prescription, it might be tempting to skip the expensive models and choose something that seems more budget-friendly. Some OTC hearing aids are high-quality and can be a great fit for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. But those $100 models you’re seeing on social media? They're often hearing aid scams.

Once the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the sale of OTC hearing aids to lower costs and expand access, scammers started taking advantage by selling unregulated Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs). These look like higher end hearing aids but are often low-quality or don’t work at all. You might find yourself wasting money, exposing your sensitive information to bad actors, or feeling frustrated with hearing aids that don’t do what you expected them to.

This guide will explain how to verify FDA registration and recognize the high-pressure tactics used by scammers to trick you into spending your money on fake hearing aids.

OTC hearing aids scams are on the rise

High-quality hearing aids can be expensive. And insurance usually doesn't cover the cost. Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids. And most private insurance policies are limited when it comes to hearing aid coverage.

But this cost is exactly why OTC hearing aid scams are so common. Scammers take advantage of the fact that many older adults are on a tight budget and need an affordable option. They advertise fake or low-quality hearing aids for dirt-cheap prices to steal your money or sensitive information. If you’re shopping for hearing aids and feel like the prices are too high, it’s tempting to take a chance on the model you see that’s only a few hundred dollars. But those deals are often too good to be true.

“If a company claims its product can cure hearing loss, offers a deal that seems too good to be true, or pressures you to buy immediately, those are significant red flags,” said Ebony White, Director of Economic Security & Social Safety Net Initiatives at the NCOA’s Center for Economic Well-Being. “Legitimate hearing aid providers want consumers to make informed decisions, not rushed ones."

How are OTC hearing aids regulated?

OTC hearing aids are regulated by the FDA.¹ Making sure the hearing aids you’re looking at buying are FDA-approved is the first step to protecting yourself from a scam.

It’s important to remember that the FDA only approves OTC hearing aids for adults over 18 with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you have severe or profound hearing loss, you need to see a health care professional like an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor for customized hearing aids that they can calibrate to your specific needs. If you are researching OTC hearing aids and they claim to fix severe or profound hearing loss, you are most likely at risk of getting scammed.

If you have severe or profound hearing loss, you might think it’s better to save money by purchasing OTC aids. But you might actually damage your hearing even more by using devices that aren’t designed for your specific diagnosis. Learn more about How to Talk about Hearing Loss.

How to tell if hearing aids are FDA-compliant

The best way to tell if hearing aids are FDA-compliant is by looking at the package. The FDA requires important information to be printed on the box, including:¹

• Warnings and additional information regarding hearing health
  • Warnings not to use OTC devices if you are under 18
  • Symptoms of mild to moderate hearing loss
  • Advice on when to seek out health care services
  • Red flag conditions, like blood, pain, or buzzing in the ear
  • Notice of contact information
  • Manufacturer’s return policy
• Whether the device is used or rebuilt
• The words “OTC” and “hearing aid”
• Information about battery type and whether they are included
• Whether you need a remote or phone to control the hearing aids

Some scammers try to trick you by printing the words “FDA Registered,” “FDA Certified,” or the FDA logo on the package. None of these phrases means the hearing aids are legitimate. And any company that posts a certificate claiming FDA registration is a scam. The FDA does not give out certificates.

Top red flags of a hearing aid scam

When you’re looking for hearing aids online, these following signs are red flags you might be dealing with a hearing aid scam:

• Misleading terms like “sound amplifier” or “hearing enhancement” instead of hearing aids
• Extremely low prices (hundreds of dollars for models that usually cost thousands)
• Over-the-top claims that the devices will cure your hearing loss
• A brand or company name that doesn’t show up on reputable sites when you search it
• No customer service or contact information
• Ads that pressure you to buy immediately or risk losing out
• The company contacts you first

Hearing aids vs amplifiers

One of the reasons why buying hearing aids online can be confusing is because other devices exist that act and look like hearing aids, but they aren’t actually hearing aids. These devices are called sound amplifiers or Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs).² PSAPs are not alternatives to hearing aids. They are non-medical devices made for people with normal hearing to amplify certain sounds, like while they’re out hunting or bird watching.

Hearing aids are medical devices designed to improve the volume of sounds for people with impaired hearing. If you have any sort of hearing loss, you need hearing aids. Look specifically for the words “hearing aids” when buying devices so you know you’re getting the right thing. Learn more about How to Choose the Right Hearing Aids.

Tips for buying hearing aids safely

There are ways to protect yourself while buying OTC hearing aids. Take these steps to help reduce the chance of getting scammed:

• Look up the company on the Better Business Bureau website to check their legitimacy
• Only buy from brands that offer a refund or return window
• Pay with a credit card, never wire transfers or gift cards, so you can dispute a fraudulent charge
• Talk to your hearing care provider for advice

"Before purchasing hearing aids online, consumers should verify the seller, review return policies, and pay with a method that offers fraud protections,” said White. “Taking a few minutes to verify a product can save significant frustration and expense later."

Read more about legitimate OTC brands in our reviews of the Best OTC Hearing Aids, Best Hearing Aids, and Best Invisible Hearing Aids.

What to do if you've been scammed

Of course, mistakes happen. If you discover you’ve been scammed, you can still take steps to protect yourself from any further damage or exposure. As soon as you suspect a scam:

• Freeze your card and call your bank to report it the charge
• Report the website to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau

Frequently asked questions

How to avoid OTC hearing aid scams?
The best way to avoid OTC hearing aid scams is by buying from a reputable company, looking for red flags like misleading labels, and using a credit card so that you can dispute a fraudulent charge.

Are Audien hearing aids a scam?
No, Audien hearing aids are not a scam. They are a legitimate, low-cost option. You can learn more about the brand in our Audien Hearing Aids review.

Why does a company have five-star reviews but an "F" rating on the BBB?
A company can have five-star reviews but an “F” rating on the BBB because the reviews are submitted by customers, but the rating is given by the BBB concerning unresolved complaints.

Why should I avoid subscription-based hearing aid offers?
Subscription-based hearing aid offers tend to cost more money over time and make you dependent on paying a bill to keep your hearing aids functional.

Sources

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know. May 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/otc-hearing-aids-what-you-should-know

2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplification Products: What to Know. May 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/hearing-aids-and-personal-sound-amplification-products-what-know