Specsavers responds to UK Government’s green light for over the counter hearing aids

The UK Government has given the green light for companies around the world to sell over the counter (OTC) hearing products in the UK. This includes earphones with both hearing test and hearing aid software functionalities.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Britain can be a powerhouse for medical technology, but only if we rip out pointless regulation that suffocates innovation.

“Groundbreaking new hearing aid devices have the potential to help tens of thousands of people with hearing loss, helping them to live their life to the full. The action we’re taking will give businesses the green light to start selling these products to patients across the UK.

“This is part of the work this government is undertaking in partnership with leading technology companies, to harness the revolution in medical technology, bring our analogue healthcare into the digital age, and make life more convenient for patients.”

Commenting on the new guidance, Gordon Harrison, Chief Audiologist at Specsavers, said: “The UK government’s support for hearing health innovations, like earphones with built-in hearing aids, marks an exciting step forward in tackling hearing loss stigma. With 18 million people in the UK needing support with early-stage hearing loss[1], new technology is game-changing.

“We welcome the release of today’s updated guidance which will encourage people to seek advice from hearing care experts, provide easier access to hearing technology through over the counter products, and make it easier for people to manage their own hearing health.

“Face-to-face consultations with specialists remain essential for accurate diagnosis, whether it’s earwax buildup or more serious conditions, and for recommending the right hearing aid or treatment to protect long-term hearing health. With ongoing support from audiologists, people can finely tune digital hearing devices to help them adapt to different environments and changes in their hearing over time.

“Patient safety is paramount. Specsavers remains in open dialogue with professional bodies and regulators, including the Department of Health and Social Care, to ensure this and critically, that any new products that come to market are backed by solid clinical evidence and deliver positive outcomes for people experiencing hearing loss.”

The British Academy of Audiology (BAA) has released the following statement: “The British Academy of Audiology (BAA) supports innovation in audiology and hearing care. While we encourage anyone with hearing concerns to consult a qualified audiologist, we recognise that over the counter (OTC) hearing products can help raise awareness of hearing loss and promote earlier intervention.

“Given the limited evidence base for OTC products, the BAA calls for high-quality studies to assess their suitability and effectiveness. Anyone with concerns should seek advice from a qualified audiology professional.”

As well as moving from analogue to digital, the Government’s 10-year health plan will see the NHS turned on its head – transforming it into a neighbourhood health service.

Mr Streeting commented at the Labour Party Conference last September: “I do think high street opticians and audiologists can really help us. We should work with the independent sector on the high street to improve access to health care.”

Specsavers’ expert audiologists encourage anyone experiencing changes to their hearing to visit a local store.