Hearing aids can be purchased at retail without a prescription.

Previously, those seeking to obtain a hearing aid in the United States required a prescription from a hearing health professional, followed by a custom fitting. This process can be extremely costly and time-consuming, especially for those who do not have health insurance. Today, however, these restrictions have been loosened.

Back in July, President Joe Biden issued an executive order requesting the US Food and Drug Administration allow for the sale and purchase of commercial hearing aids. After deliberation, the FDA has agreed to the new rule, and it has officially gone into effect as of this morning. Now, adult individuals experiencing mild-to-moderate hearing loss can purchase over-the-counter hearing aids at any retailer. Those under 18 will still need a prescription for hearing aids, while severe cases will still require a custom fitting.

“We’ve been working for years for affordable and accessible hearing health care,” Barbara Kelley, executive director of the Hearing Loss Association of America, said in a statement. “We’re really looking forward to Monday.”

Not only will this change make hearing aids more affordable and accessible, but it is expected to draw in new innovation from the world’s tech giants. Companies like Samsung and Apple could begin offering new ranges of hearing aid products for a variety of needs and price ranges.

Kelley has offered one piece of advice for those looking to purchase OTC hearing aids: carefully read return policies. As hearing aids are not one-size-fits-all, it may take time to adjust to a non-custom one. She has urged individuals buying hearing aids to know exactly how big their return window is in case it doesn’t work out.