No prescription needed: over-the-counter hearing aids on sale in US

Hearing aids now available from stores including Walgreens and Walmart without prescription after new FDA rule takes effect

Americans can start buying hearing aids over the counter this week, a significant development for whose need hearing assistance and are now expected to be able to get it more cheaply and more easily.

Retail stores, including Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart, began selling hearing aids Monday after a new rule from the Food and Drug Administration went into effect allowing for the devices' sales over the counter at such establishments.