With a lethargic app and replaceable batteries, these hearing aids are a hard sell despite solid sound quality.

Hearing aids now available over the counter 01:52. Starting Monday, consumers will be able to buy hearing aids directly off store shelves and at dramatically lower prices as a 2017 federal law ...

A new FDA rule allows adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to buy hearing aids over the counter. Efforts to make them more affordable and accessible have been in the works for years.

Hearing aids can vary among manufacturers, and patients can consult a doctor about how to improve the fit of the device if they buy an over-the-counter hearing aid that is uncomfortable.

The FDA rule creates a category of hearing aids, available for those over 18 with mild to moderate hearing loss, that can be sold without a prescription, fitting adjustment, or hearing test required.

Self-fitting O.T.C. aids that perform well are now widely available for about $1,000 a pair; prescription hearing aids purchased through audiologists cost several times more.

Not enough adults are utilizing hearing aids, but experts hope new accessible options will make a difference. “A recent study showed that only 15% of US adults with hearing loss use hearing aids ...

Over-the-counter hearing aids, such as Apple’s offering, also are not a treatment for “severe or profound” hearing loss, according to the FDA.

Roughly 40 million adults in the U.S. have hearing loss, but most don't use hearing aids. This increases the risk of social isolation, physical and cognitive decline and may lead to premature death.

If you’ve never had hearing aids before, this is probably a good first step; veterans will likely skip it, especially if they know what model hearing aids they want (or how much they want to spend).