1. Medtech Insight
  2. >>Policy & Regulation
  3. >>Regulation

No Prescription? No Problem: FDA Draft Rule Gives Green Light To OTC Hearing Aids

 
• By Shawn M. Schmitt

The US FDA’s proposed reg, released on 19 October, aims to get more hearing aids into the ears of those who need them by allowing the devices to be purchased over the counter.

Night photo of a traffic light for pedestrians, which lights up in green.
• Source: Alamy

A new draft rule from the US Food and Drug Administration aims to get more hearing aids into the ears of those who need them by allowing the devices to be purchased without a prescription.

Released on 19 October and set to be published in the 20 October edition of the Federal Register, the 114-page proposed regulation says it will “promote the hearing health of Americans by lowering barriers to access and fostering innovation in hearing aid technology

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Regulation

Faster Device Certification Among Keys To Unlocking Innovation In EU MedTech Sector

 
• By Amanda Maxwell

While MedTech Europe sharpens its focus on what the EU most urgently needs to advance the medtech market in four targeted measures, the European Commission has also unveiled four priorities for 2025.

FDA Announces Classifications On 8 Device Types

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced new classifications for eight device types that reached market via the de novo process, with most of the newly classified products in the diagnostics sector.

Medical Devices Not The Focus Of FDA’s Plans To Step Up Foreign Inspections, Expert Says

 
• By Brian Bossetta

The US FDA recently announced plans to carry out more unannounced inspections of foreign facilities. But those inspections will primarily target drug producers, with less attention and resources allocated to those making devices.

Consumer Healthtech Investment Totaled $4.5BN In 2024, But Bar Is High Amid Economic Uncertainty

 
• By Marion Webb

Global investment in consumer healthtech increased by 9% year-over-year in 2024, totaling $4.5bn, with significant interest in mental health solutions, according to Galen Growth. While the first quarter of 2025 saw raised confidence and investments, the Trump administration’s new tariffs and sweeping changes to healthcare have introduced new uncertainties.

More from Policy & Regulation

FDA Announces Classifications On 8 Device Types

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced new classifications for eight device types that reached market via the de novo process, with most of the newly classified products in the diagnostics sector.

Medical Devices Not The Focus Of FDA’s Plans To Step Up Foreign Inspections, Expert Says

 
• By Brian Bossetta

The US FDA recently announced plans to carry out more unannounced inspections of foreign facilities. But those inspections will primarily target drug producers, with less attention and resources allocated to those making devices.

State And International Enforcement Agencies May Step Up Amid Uncertain Federal Environment

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

States and international regulatory bodies may increase their US enforcement role following federal staff cuts, Hyman Phelps & McNamara attorneys said in a recent webinar. The attorneys also expect False Claims Act enforcement and public health to remain key areas of focus at the federal level.