INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time this week, consumers can buy hearing aids over the counter and without a prescription.
“The goal of getting a lot more hearing aids onto Hoosiers ears helps normalize wearing hearing aids just like the frequency of glasses. People need them. People use them way too little part of his expense," IU Health Associate Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Dr. Charles Yates said. "Part of its vanity part of it maybe even being seen as old. But they help a fraction of the people that they really can. And this is going to make big steps towards helping people."
On Monday, Walgreens, CVS and Walmart began selling over-the-counter hearing aids online nationwide. Walgreens has already started selling the product in stores, which retails for $799. This comes after the Food and Drug Administration finalized the bipartisan legislation passed by Congress in 2017 this summer.
IU Health’s Dr. Yates told WRTV this is a huge step for thousands of Hoosiers living with hearing loss. Not only will this option help with access, but also it cuts costs significantly.
Dr. Yates added for people who hear everything muffled or it sounds like people are mumbling, it may be time to consider a hearing aid.
-
Former Indiana Women's Prison guard convicted of rape, sexual misconduct
A former corrections officer at the Indiana Women's Prison has been found guilty on multiple charges stemming from the sexual assault of an inmate just weeks before he left his position.106-year-old downtown business Windsor Jewelry reopens with new ownership
Windsor Jewelry reopened its doors to the public with new ownership on Tuesday, after being on the brink of closing forever.Bike lanes open on New York and Michigan Streets, making it easier to get around
More bike lanes are coming to Indianapolis, making it easier to get around the city. It's a step in the right direction, advocates said; they have been pushing for quite some time.UPS worker killed in shooting on Indy's northwest side
On Tuesday, IMPD responded to the 5400 block of West 81st Street at around 9:55 p.m. Officers at the scene located a victim suffering from injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.