It’s estimated that 44 million Americans experience hearing loss, but only one-fifth get help. Research has shown that there is a significant relationship between hearing loss, cognitive decline and depression in the elderly. In 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that hearing aids can be sold over-the-counter without a prescription to adults over the age of 18. This long sought-after change helps consumers frustrated by expensive exams and even more expensive devices.  World-renowned hearing expert Professor De Wet Swanepoel  explains what this means for consumers this edition of Late Night Health. Learn how adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss are now able to buy OTC hearing aids online and in stores, without a prescription. The high cost of prescription hearing aids, which are not covered by basic Medicare, has discouraged millions from buying the devices. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT HEARING LOSS SOLUTIONS: ADVICE — Top hearing health & hearing loss prevention guidanceCUTTING-EDGE — How hearing solutions like Lexie’s OTC hearing aids can change livesCHANGING THE STIGMA — How hearing loss impacts millions of AmericansCRITICAL NEED — 700 million people worldwide will require hearing help by 2050 SPOKESPERSON BACKGROUND: De Wet Swanepoel, PhD. is professor of Audiology at the University of Pretoria, where he leads research for the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for the Prevention of Deafness and Hearing Loss. He also holds an adjunct professorship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine as well as the former .  His research is focused on innovative digital solutions and service-delivery models for more equitable hearing care.  Dr. Swanepoel has published more than 280 peer-reviewed articles, books and book chapters and is funded by the NIH, UK Academy of Medical Sciences, National Research Foundation, and hearing health industry. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/late-night-health-radio--2804369/support.