There's a good chance you've been inside a CVS in the last month. With almost 10,000 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and 300,000 staff, CVS is a giant in healthcare.
In mid-October 2022, CVS added over-the-counter hearing aids to their offering. The move came after the FDA created a new class of hearing aids that could be sold over the counter. The added access across American towns and cities is a big win for lawmakers and consumers.
In this guide, I'm taking a closer look at the brands, processes, and pros and cons you should consider when shopping for hearing aids at CVS.
Let's dig in!
Who will benefit from OTC hearing aids at CVS?
- Budget seekers: OTC hearing aids are appropriate for people who want lower-cost products that they can program at home without the help of an audiologist.
- Simple hearing loss cases: OTC hearing aids are best for those with mild-moderate hearing loss. Take a free hearing test here if you need help determining where you stand.
- Fewer bells and whistles: In general, OTC hearing aids offer fewer premium features and fine-tuning options than prescription devices but also significantly lower prices. We'll get into the various products available below.
What's the return policy and warranty for CVS OTC hearing aids?
- CVS offers free 60-day returns on all OTC hearing aid products.
- CVS OTC hearing aids also come with a 12-month parts and labor warranty.
Are CVS OTC hearing aids good?
The OTC hearing aids at CVS lack some of the premium features available at a local audiologist, but they are of a reputable quality and come from a well respected company.
The Bose hearing aid, especially, is one that I suggest to anyone looking for a place to start. You can read my full review of Bose here.
If you want all the latest hearing aid technology, or prefer to work with a local doctor I suggest looking at a prescription product like Phonak Audéo Lumity or Oticon Real. Checkout our OTC LIVE Tracker to see the full range of available OTC products.
Have you tried the OTC hearing aids at CVS? I’d love to hear from you—send me a note at hello@soundly.com.