A big topic in the Audiology world is OTC hearing aids, especially since Apple announced their Hearing Aid Feature in AirPods. There is still a lot of uncertainty around the product and the interest amongst the general public. I reviewed an article by Panth et al who studied the trends in OTC hearing aid informationContinue reading "What Google Trends Reveal About Public Interest in OTC Hearing Aids"
Colorism and Structural Bias in Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Color Options
One of the things that has always bothered me about the hearing aid space, is the lack of a variety of skin tone options for mid to darker skin tones. Recently I went on a deep-dive of information seeking about Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids. I came across a fascinating article by Kirjava and Faulkner (2024)Continue reading "Colorism and Structural Bias in Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Color Options"
Understanding Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
Navigating the world of hearing aids can be overwhelming, especially with the introduction of over-the-counter (OTC) options. The American Academy of Audiology provides valuable insights into what OTC hearing aids are and who they are best suited for. What Are OTC Hearing Aids? OTC hearing aids are devices designed to amplify sound, making it easier forContinue reading "Understanding Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids"
FDA Authorizes Apple’s “Hearing Aid Feature” to Allow AirPods to Function as OTC Hearing Aids
On Sept 12, 2024 the FDA issued the necessary authorization to Apple to allow their latest AirPods to have a "Hearing Aid Feature" and Hearing Protection. This is made possible by the FDA's October 2022 authorization to allow for a new category of hearing devices called "Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids". These differ from Prescription Hearing aidsContinue reading "FDA Authorizes Apple’s “Hearing Aid Feature” to Allow AirPods to Function as OTC Hearing Aids"
Dr. White, AuD 