The US have taken a step forward in making hearing aids more accessible by allowing them to be sold over the counter.

"it previously could take five to seven years for someone to get a hearing aid after they find out they have hearing loss. "

With the changes, hearing aids can be purchased from stores including Walgreens and Walmart at a lower cost.

It is important to remove imposed barriers to accessing assistive technology, with many having a natural reluctance to seek out assistive technology as the come to terms with their loss. Barriers add delay to an emotional and difficult journey.