OTC versus prescription hearing aids
Since 2022, adults can buy hearing aids over the counter without a prescription or an exam. That created two routes, and picking the right one saves the most money and frustration.
OTC fits you if
You're an adult who notices mild to moderate difficulty: raising the TV volume, asking people to repeat themselves, trouble following conversation in noise. You're comfortable ordering online and setting up a device with an app or a few buttons, and you want to keep the price under about $1,500.
Prescription fits you if
Your loss is severe, or clearly worse in one ear, or you've tried an OTC device and it didn't help. You want the device tuned to a professional hearing test, and you want a person to see for adjustments and repairs.
See a doctor first if
Hearing dropped suddenly, there's pain, fluid, or dizziness, ringing that started recently, or the loss is in one ear only. Those are medical signs that need a look before any device, OTC or otherwise.
The practical difference
OTC devices are fitted by you, with a hearing test the seller provides online and settings you adjust. Prescription devices are fitted for you, from a clinic test, with follow-up built in. OTC is cheaper and faster; prescription is more thorough. Neither is "better" in general; one is better for your ears.