Pharmacy-based Over the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

Pharmacy-based Over the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids is organized by American Pharmacists Association (APhA).

Initial release date: August 1, 2023
Expiration date: August 1, 2026 - No credit can be earned after this date

Course Description:
It is estimated that 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids; however, access and cost can be significant barriers to using these devices. In 2017, Congress set forth a process for establishing a new category of hearing aids to be available over the counter (OTC). Following a final ruling from FDA in October 2022, pharmacists must be ready to serve the millions of adults who will be seeking hearing loss solutions for the first time at the community pharmacy. This competency-based certificate program for OTC hearing aids will prepare you to help America hear better. This course is estimated to be a 3-hour commitment to learning more about hearing health care.

Learning Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

Module 1: Introduction to hearing loss: Epidemiology and health outcomes

• Discuss the prevalence of hearing loss in age groups across the lifespan.
• Explain the impact of untreated hearing loss on health, life activities, and communication.

Module 2: Federal laws, regulations, and guidance for OTC hearing aids

• Differentiate between FDA categories of prescription hearing aid, OTC hearing aid, and PSAP (Personal Sound Amplification Product).
• Describe the presenting complaints of a patient who is an appropriate candidate for OTC hearing aids.

Module 3: Overview of the pharmacists’ OTC hearing aid patient care process

• Recognize how the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process (PPCP) can be used to take care of persons with hearing loss.

Module 4: Recognizing and screening for hearing loss

• Differentiate hearing screening from assessment of hearing.
• Explain the hearing measurement processes that may be associated with OTC hearing aids.
• Discuss pros and cons of informal hearing screening measures.
• List two options for accessing a hearing screening.

Module 5: Medications with ototoxic properties: drug-induced hearing loss

• Recognize medications and medication classes that can cause hearing loss.
• Describe the mechanism of action of medication induced hearing loss.
• Explain strategies to prevent and mitigate medication induced hearing loss.

Module 6: Exclusions for self-care: When OTC hearing aids are not appropriate

• List common ear conditions to be ruled out or treated prior to hearing aid use.
• Explain potential complications of hearing aid use.
• Differentiate optimum candidates for OTC hearing aids versus those for prescription hearing aids.

Module 7: Pharmacological and nonpharmacological self-care options for earwax removal

• Review nonprescription and non-pharmacological techniques for cerumen removal.
• Recognize exclusions for cerumen removal self-care.

Module 8: Selection and fitting process for hearing aids

• List the basic parts of a hearing aid.
• Describe three aspects of a prescription hearing aid fitting.
• Differentiate the hearing aid fitting process in prescription versus OTC hearing aids.

Module 9: Referral to hearing health care professionals for care

• Differentiate between hearing health care professionals.
• Access resources for finding local audiologists to whom referrals can be made.
• Recognize the hearing care professional best suited for patient needs.