# Questions to Ask an Audiologist Before Buying Hearing Aids (Checklist) > 12 questions to bring to an audiologist before buying hearing aids, with FDA red flags and OTC vs prescription differences. Not medical advice. - Canonical URL: https://webofmike.com/ai-life/tv-audio/hearing-aids/questions-to-ask-an-audiologist-before-buying-hearing-aids/ - Author: Mike Moore (https://webofmike.com/about/) - Published: 2026-11-14 - Last modified: 2026-11-14 - Tags: AI Life - Cite as: Mike Moore, "Questions to Ask an Audiologist Before Buying Hearing Aids (Checklist)", Web of Mike (webofmike.com), 2026-11-14. https://webofmike.com/ai-life/tv-audio/hearing-aids/questions-to-ask-an-audiologist-before-buying-hearing-aids/ [AI Life](/ai-life/) / [TV and Audio](/ai-life/tv-audio/) / [Hearing Aids](/ai-life/tv-audio/hearing-aids/) **Short answer:** ask your audiologist about your type and degree of hearing loss, whether an OTC device suits you, and the trial, support and follow-up terms. NCOA recommends an in-person hearing test first. This is not medical advice. *Last updated: November 14, 2026. Researched comparison from maker specs and named reviews; I have not tested these products myself. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.* ## Quick picks: what to do first | Step | Why | Check it | | --- | --- | --- | | Get a hearing test | NCOA recommends an in-person test first | Ask your doctor or a licensed professional | | Compare OTC picks | Named review picks after your test | {{< amzn jabra-enhance-select-m3 "See the Jabra Enhance Select M3 on Amazon" btn />}} | | Consider iPhone earbuds | Apple's hearing support | {{< amzn airpods-pro-3 "See the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon" btn />}} | Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through one, this site earns a commission at no extra cost to you. **Not medical advice.** I am not a clinician. This page is a shopping guide that explains the rules and the reviews. If you have hearing concerns, see a licensed hearing professional or doctor. ## What should you ask an audiologist before buying hearing aids? Ask what type and degree of hearing loss you have, whether OTC devices fit it, and what the trial, support and warranty terms are. [NCOA's best OTC hearing aids review](https://www.ncoa.org/product-resources/hearing-aids/best-over-the-counter-hearing-aids/) recommends an in-person hearing test before buying, because it can rule out causes hearing aids will not fix, and [the FDA's OTC hearing aid guide](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/otc-hearing-aids-what-you-should-know) lists red-flag symptoms that call for a doctor. The 12 questions below are a checklist for that visit. They are not medical advice. ## Why see an audiologist first? You can buy OTC hearing aids without a hearing exam, per [the FDA's OTC hearing aid guide](https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/otc-hearing-aids-what-you-should-know). But [NCOA's best OTC hearing aids review](https://www.ncoa.org/product-resources/hearing-aids/best-over-the-counter-hearing-aids/) quotes audiologists explaining that in-person tests are more comprehensive than online ones, including multiple frequencies, speech testing, bone conduction and middle-ear function, and that a professional can look for impacted earwax, structural issues and underlying medical conditions. A test also tells you whether your loss is mild to moderate, which is who OTC devices are for. ## The checklist: 12 questions for your hearing professional 1. **What is my type of hearing loss?** NCOA explains the difference between sensorineural, conductive and mixed. 2. **What is my degree of loss?** OTC devices are for perceived mild to moderate loss. 3. **Is it the same in both ears?** The FDA lists worse hearing in one ear as a reason to see a doctor. 4. **Do I have wax, infection or another problem to treat first?** 5. **Is an OTC device appropriate for me?** 6. **Which style suits my loss and lifestyle?** BTE, RIC, ITE, CIC and IIC differ in size and features. 7. **What features do I need?** Bluetooth, rechargeable battery, tinnitus support, telecoil. 8. **What does a prescription device add?** The FDA says prescription devices are programmed by a professional and may suit all levels of loss. 9. **What follow-up care will I get?** Prescription pricing includes visits, NCOA notes. 10. **Can I get a copy of my test results?** The FDA says you can request your records and buy elsewhere. 11. **What should I expect in the first month?** NCOA's testers said the brain needs to adapt. 12. **When should I come back?** Ask what changes should prompt a recheck. ## How should you prepare for the appointment? - **Write down when you struggle.** Restaurants, phone calls, the TV, group conversations. The FDA's box labeling lists trouble with speech in noisy places, groups, phone calls, listening fatigue and a loud TV as signs of mild to moderate loss. - **Note symptoms like ringing, dizziness or one-sided changes.** Those are on the FDA's red flag list. - **List your medications** and any history of loud noise exposure, which NCOA names as a cause of sensorineural loss. - **Bring someone** who can describe how you hear in daily life. - **Ask for a copy** of your audiogram so you can compare devices later. - **Bring your phone** if you plan to use app-based devices, so the professional can check compatibility. ## What are red flags that mean see a doctor first? The FDA lists these: a birth defect or unusual ear shape, an injury to the ear, blood, pus or fluid from the ear in the past six months, ear pain, a lot of earwax or something in the ear, dizziness or vertigo, sudden hearing change in the past six months, hearing that gets worse then better, worse hearing in one ear and ringing in only one ear. If any apply, see a doctor, preferably an ENT. ## What questions should you ask the seller? ## What should you ask about the trial and returns? 1. **How long is the trial?** NCOA says it prefers 100 days, since it usually takes at least a month to adjust. 2. **Who pays return shipping?** 3. **Is there remote support from an audiologist?** NCOA lists this for Jabra and Elehear. 4. **What is covered by the warranty?** The FDA says OTC rules do not require a warranty, so read the terms. 5. **Can you get a refund if it does not help?** ## How do OTC and prescription hearing aids differ? The FDA says prescription hearing aids are available only through a licensed hearing health professional who can program them to your hearing, and they may suit all levels of loss and all ages. OTC devices are for adults with perceived mild to moderate loss and are self-programmed. NCOA notes price differences partly reflect services: prescription prices include appointments, cleanings and adjustments, with some costing as much as $7,000 in NCOA's research, while OTC models it reviewed ran from $99 to $2,699. I list no prices, because they vary by seller. ## What about Medicare and insurance? NCOA says original Medicare does not cover hearing exams, hearing aids or fittings in most cases, though some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing benefits, and some states cover some hearing care in Medicaid. NCOA also says hearing aids are eligible for HSA or FSA funds. Check with your plan and employer before you buy. ## What if you just want help hearing the TV? A soundbar with clear dialogue may help in some situations. See [Best Soundbar for Dialogue](/ai-life/tv-audio/soundbars/best-soundbar-for-dialogue/). It is not a substitute for a hearing evaluation if you are struggling to understand speech in daily life. ## Which products should you look at after the visit? If your professional says OTC is appropriate, see the [best OTC hearing aids](/ai-life/tv-audio/hearing-aids/best-otc-hearing-aids/). NCOA names the Jabra Enhance Select M3 best overall, and I summarize the others there. For iPhone users, see [AirPods Pro 3 as hearing aids](/ai-life/tv-audio/hearing-aids/airpods-pro-3-as-hearing-aids/). - **Buy the Jabra Enhance Select M3 if** your professional says OTC suits you and you want a long trial. {{< amzn jabra-enhance-select-m3 "See the Jabra Enhance Select M3 and check today's price" btn />}} - **Skip it if** your professional recommends prescription devices. ## What do reviewers agree on? - NCOA and the FDA agree OTC devices are for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. - NCOA and HearingTracker agree an adjustment period is normal. ## What are the common complaints? - Limited support from some budget OTC brands, per NCOA. - Hidden controls and short battery on AirPods, per HearingTracker. I summarize each finding in my own words and name the source. I did not read Amazon customer reviews for this page. ## Should you buy a hearing device now or wait for Black Friday? Black Friday is Friday, November 27, 2026, and Cyber Monday is Monday, November 30, 2026. Those are the real dates, and nothing else on this page is a countdown or a claim that stock is running low, because I can't see Amazon's inventory. - **Buy now if:** your hearing test is done and you have picked a device with a long trial. - **Wait for the sale if:** you can wait until Black Friday, November 27, 2026, or Cyber Monday, November 30. Your hearing health is not a deadline. Book the test first. I don't list prices here because they change by the hour. Open the Amazon listing to see today's price, and compare it with what you saw last week before you decide. ## Is a hearing test a good gift? For someone who is struggling, an appointment is a kinder gift than a device. Offer to go with them. ## Where to go next - [Hearing aids hub](/ai-life/tv-audio/hearing-aids/): every hearing guide. - [Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones 2026](/ai-life/tv-audio/headphones/best-noise-cancelling-headphones/): the non-medical option. - [Best Soundbar for Dialogue](/ai-life/tv-audio/soundbars/best-soundbar-for-dialogue/): clearer TV speech. - [Best Soundbars 2026](/ai-life/tv-audio/soundbars/best-soundbar/): for the shared living room. - [Best AI Phone Features](/ai-life/gadgets/ai-phones-earbuds/best-ai-phone-features/): what your phone adds. - [AI Gadget Gift Guide 2026](/ai-life/gadgets/gift-guides/ai-gift-guide-2026/) and [Black Friday AI deals](/ai-life/deals/black-friday/). ## FAQ ### What should I ask an audiologist before buying hearing aids? Ask about your type and degree of loss, whether OTC suits you, the style and features, follow-up care and your test results. ### Do I need an audiologist to buy OTC hearing aids? No, but NCOA recommends an in-person hearing test first, and the FDA lists symptoms that call for a doctor. ### Does Medicare cover hearing aids? NCOA says original Medicare generally does not, though some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing benefits. ### Can I use HSA or FSA funds for hearing aids? NCOA says hearing aids are qualified medical expenses for HSA and FSA funds.