In recent years, earbud-style OTC (over-the-counter) hearing aids have gained significant popularity due to their comfort, discretion, and multifunctionality. Unlike traditional hearing aids, these devices blend everyday technology with advanced hearing support, providing a seamless experience for users. In the recent 2024 Apple Event, Apples has also announced the Airpods Pro 2 can be used as “Clinical Grade Hearing Aids” in this Fall.

Pros of Earbud-style OTC hearing aids

1. Seamless Integration with Everyday Devices

One of the key advantages of earbud-style OTC hearing aids is their dual functionality. Most earbuds style OTC Hearing Aids support Bluetooth feature, the user can connect it to their phone or Bluetooth enabled devices, making it possible to stream music, listen to music or watch video.

This blurs the line between everyday audio products and specialized hearing aids, making it easier for users with mild to moderate hearing loss to find a solution without the stigma that often accompanies traditional aids.

2. Discreet and Comfortable Design

For many people, the appearance of traditional hearing aids can be a concern. Earbud-style hearing aids offer a discreet, in-ear design, making them indistinguishable from regular Bluetooth earbuds. The form factor not only provides a more stylish look but also ensures all-day comfort, even during extended use.

This is a key selling point for users who are self-conscious about visible hearing aids, allowing them to improve their hearing without feeling like they're wearing a medical device.

3. Advanced Features and App Integration

Another major benefit of earbud-style OTC hearing aids is the advanced features they offer. Beyond basic amplification, products like the AirPods Pro 2 allow for personalized sound profiles from a hearing test via app integration.

Similarly, the LINNER Mars hearing aids bring a host of high-end features designed to enhance user experience:

• Advanced Noise reduction: LINNER Mars allows users to focus on the sound in front of you by filtering out the sound from side and back, it is great effective in a noisy environment.
• Hear ZenSound Therapy: A standout feature of LINNER Mars, Hear Zen is a music therapy tool designed to promote relaxation and well-being, especially beneficial for users suffering from stress or sleep issues.
• User-Friendly App: Through the LINNER app, users can fine-tune the hearing aids based on different environments, making real-time adjustments for clearer sound and reduced background noise.

4. Affordability and Accessibility

Earbud-style OTC hearing aids  are also more affordable than traditional prescription hearing aids, making them accessible to a wider range of users. Typically, a pair of traditional prescription hearing aids will cost you more than $4000, an OTC hearing aids is lower than $500.

Cons of Earbud-style OTC hearing aids

1. Shorter Battery Life Than Expected

Battery life the the biggest challenge for Earbud-style OTC hearing aids now, when traditional prescription hearing aids can provide more than 24hours continuously working time on a single charge, Earbud-style hearing aids can only last less than 12 hours, for a daily hearing aids wearer, they usually needs to wear hearing aids for more than 16 hours in a day.

2. Occlusion In The Ear

Earbud-style hearing aids can sometimes create a sensation of occlusion in the ears. This feeling occurs because the earbuds sit snugly inside the ear canal, which can block or reduce the natural airflow and sound passage. As a result, users might experience a feeling of fullness or pressure, similar to having your ears plugged. This sensation can be more noticeable when the earphones are tightly fitted or when there's a buildup of earwax. It's a common issue, but it usually diminishes once the earbuds are adjusted or removed.

3. Not suitable for severe or above hearing loss

According to the FDA requirement, OTC hearing aids are only designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, which means if you have severe or above hearing loss, you might not be able to benefit from an OTC hearing aids.

Conclusion

The earbuds style of OTC hearing aids is a relatively new innovation with its own set of advantages and challenges. While this design offers a modern and discreet option for hearing enhancement, it can also present some issues, such as the sensation of occlusion or blockage in the ears. Despite these drawbacks, we are confident that as technology progresses, earbuds-style OTC hearing aids will continue to evolve and improve, offering enhanced comfort and performance for users.