Disrupting Hearing Care: Have OTC Hearing Aids Delivered?

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

8:45 AM - 9:45 AM PT

Location: 518

Moderator(s)

AC

Alexander Chern, MD

Assistant Professor
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, United States

Panelist(s)

VS

Victoria Sanchez, Au.D., Ph.D., CCC-A, F-AAA

Associate Professor
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States
JG

Justin S. Golub, MD, MS

Associate Professor
Columbia University
New York, New York, United States
NR

Nicholas S. Reed, AuD, PhD

Adjunct Professor
Amplifon SpA; Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Several years after FDA approval, over-the-counter hearing aids were expected to expand access and disrupt traditional hearing care. Have they delivered? This interactive panel examines real-world outcomes, benefits, and unintended consequences through structured discussion and audience engagement. Experts in otology, audiology, and public health present contrasting perspectives and practical guidance. Attendees will gain a nuanced, up-to-date understanding of OTC hearing aids and strategies for counseling and managing patients in everyday practice.

Learning Objectives:

Evaluate real-world evidence on the impact of over-the-counter hearing aids on access, clinical outcomes, and equity to inform patient counseling and clinical decision-making.
Compare the benefits, limitations, and appropriate use cases of over-the-counter hearing aids relative to traditional audiology and clinic-based hearing care models.
Identify and apply appropriate roles for otolaryngologists in counseling, triage, and management of patients considering or using over-the-counter hearing aids in everyday practice.