A January 2025 policy statement on hearing aids by the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has drawn joint initial guidance on over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids from several of the domestic professional associations in audiology.

The Government’s policy effectively refers many with hearing loss to over-the-counter options including earphones with hearing aid test software available online, but this new statement approved by representatives from the BAA, BSA, BSHAA, and NCHA (see below for full names of groups) stresses that the DHSC makes clear that its statement should be read in conjunction with existing regulations –  Health Professions Order 2001 as amended by the Health Professions (Hearing Aid Dispensers) Order 2010 and Regulating medical devices in the UK.

The professional associations behind the initial guidance support these caveats “as these regulations are designed to protect individuals from harm”.

 

“Put people with ear and hearing needs first”

 

Although more detailed guidance is to follow on from these initial principles, there is one simple premise at the heart of the guidance, say the groups involved: we must all put people with ear and hearing needs first. To ensure this happens, all ear and hearing care interventions in the UK should comply with these regulations and evidence-based clinical guidelines, including NICE Hearing loss in adults: assessment and management (NG98).

 

What are the key messages of the UK profession’s guidance on OTC hearing aids?

 

• ensuring the public has access to good information, so individuals can make informed choices
• suppliers are transparent about how their devices work and whether they are set up in a way to comply with NG98 and other applicable clinical guidelines, disclosing to users when this is not the case
• claims about clinical effectiveness and other scientific references meet ASA standards
• where products and services claim to provide diagnostic accuracy, placement of such products is supported by appropriate insurance, including medical malpractice insurance, so people have a right to redress if things go wrong.

 

BAA – British Academy of Audiology

BSA – British Society of Audiology

BSHAA – British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists

NCHA – The Association for Primary Care Audiology Providers

 

Source: UK audiology associations