In 2022, the FDA approved hearing aids to be sold over the counter. Before 2022, an individual had to go get a hearing test and then see an audiologist for a prescription. Over-the-counter options are currently approved only for mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Now you don't need a medical referral.

In November 2022, the FDA passed a resolution allowing Americans to purchase hearing aids over-the-counter. The move launched a mini-industry, with

Apple's hearing health features arrive on AirPods Pro next week, and I spent a few days using the new functionality including the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid mode with my dad.