Case Scenario

My 74-year-old patient, V.P., who has a history of osteoarthritis and hypertension, reports hearing loss during a wellness visit. V.P. works in customer service taking telephone calls but is becoming fatigued trying to hear customers on the phone and is concerned that hearing loss may be affecting their ability to remember details at work. On further questioning, V.P. reports slowly progressive, bilateral hearing loss without ear pain, drainage, tinnitus, or vertigo. Examination shows normal-appearing external ears without injury or deformity, clear canals bilaterally, and normal-appearing tympanic membranes.

V.P. also states that family members have been complaining about the excessive volume of the television at home. V.P. has taken a home hearing test, which shows evidence of bilateral hearing loss. My patient is concerned about the cost of prescription hearing aids and asks whether less expensive, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids could help or whether it would be better to see a specialist. Is my patient a suitable candidate for OTC hearing aids? What can I offer my patient to help them make the best choice?

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