Hearing Aids

FDA Launches Hearing Aids Website

The newsletter of the National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA) announced that in October of 2009 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched a website on hearing aids, which is found at:

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/HearingAids/default.htm

"The website contains basic information about hearing aids including hearing loss, the different types and styles of hearing aids, benefits and safety issues, hearing aids and cell phones, how to obtain hearing aids, other products and devices to improve hearing, a checklist of steps to remember and consider before purchasing one, and other resources. The site also addresses the importance of knowing the difference between an actual hearing aid, which is regulated by FDA to ensure safety and effectiveness for use in hearing impaired individuals, and a personal sound amplification device which is not a medical device."