People who need hearing aids can now buy them in the U.S. over the counter without a prescription.
Some are hoping to see Canada follow suit as the devices are sold for considerably cheaper.
Karla Tucker, Audiologist with Maico Hearing Service, says the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association reports that Newfoundland and Labrador has the fastest-growing demographic of persons with hearing loss in their 20-30s.
She’s concerned that if Health Canada approved the over-the-counter hearing aids, people could self-treat their hearing issues which could result in more damage.
Tucker says there’s a big link between your hearing and your brain health, so under-treating your hearing loss can lead to memory problems, cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s. If you are over-treating your hearing loss, that can lead to more hearing damage.