Walmart has announced that it is now selling over-the-counter hearing aids.
The discount retail giant says it began selling “a broad assortment of high-quality hearing aids at a more affordable price” on Oct. 17. Prices range from $199 to $999 a pair.
Best Buy also announced the same day that it now sells hearing aids, with prices ranging from $200 to $3,000 per pair.
Other retailers that started selling over-the-counter hearing aids on Oct. 17 include CVS, Walgreens and Hy-Vee, CNBC reports.
These retailers’ rollout of hearing aids comes just a couple of months after a new federal regulation created the ability for consumers to purchase hearing aids over the counter beginning Oct. 17.
In announcing the new rule, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration noted that the regulation is intended to promote competition and bring down the price of hearing aids.
Previously, hearing aids cost upwards of $5,000 per pair, on average, according to President Joe Biden.
It is estimated that 30 million adults in the U.S. might benefit from wearing hearing aids. The types of hearing aids sold over the counter are intended for those who are 18 and older and have mild to moderate hearing loss.
The over-the-counter hearing aids can be purchased directly from retailers — both in-store and online — and consumers are not required to schedule a medical exam or obtain a prescription or fitting adjustment by an audiologist.
However, Walmart notes that professionals in its Walmart Health Centers can administer hearing tests and other health care services to both assess hearing loss and determine whether a hearing aid can help treat it.
Looking for more ways to save while treating hearing loss? Check out “How to Save Hundreds of Dollars on Hearing Aids.”
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