Hy-Vee has announced that over-the-counter hearing aids are now available at select Hy-Vee stores with no exam or prescription necessary, which includes the Cherokee Hy-Vee Clinic Pharmacy.
The FDA recently ruled that individuals ages 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase hearing aids in stores, or online without a medical exam, prescription, or a fitting adjustment by an audiologist. The effort is designed to make hearing aids more accessible and affordable. The FDA cited reports that estimate 30-million Americans experience hearing loss, but only about one-fifth seek treatment.
Hy-Vee customers can now find several affordable over-the-counter hearing aid options at the select stores, starting at less than 500 dollars. Hearing aid varieties at Hy-Vee include receiver-in-the-canal and earbuds, along with other accessories. Each designated store also offers a hearing kiosk within its Hy-Vee Pharmacy department that provides individuals with a free hearing test to measure their level of hearing loss.
Hy-Vee has offered hearing aids with a prescription since 2018. The company plans to expand over-the-counter hearing aids to one-hundred total stores by the end of this year.
