Millions of Americans now have access to over-the-counter hearing aids. Retailers such as Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Best Buy are now selling the product.

Today Explained: Over-the-Counter Hearings Aids Now Available

Welcome back to news wrap everyone It's time for today explained where we break down some of the biggest stories in the news, how we got here, where we go next for the first time ever. Hearing aids are available for purchase over the counter at retailers across the country. Thanks to a historic ruling from the FDA adults 18 years and older with mild to moderate hearing loss. Can now buy the devices without a prescription, a medical exam or audiologist fitting. The ruling is expected to lower the average cost of hearing aids by as much as $3000 per pair walmart CVS, walmart hy vee and best buy are now so selling hearing aids and stores and online with prices ranging from 200 bucks to $1000 a pair customers used to shell out at least $4000 out of pocket for these hearing devices, experts say this move is a game changer for the nearly 30 million americans who suffer from some degree of hearing loss, including nearly 10 million adults under the age of 60 and it's not just about improving hearing. Several studies have found a link between hearing loss and mental, physical and psychological health. Hearing aids can drastically improve someone's quality of life from allowing them to maintain an active lifestyle to helping them stay connected with loved ones to even reducing the mental stress related to hearing loss. So the more people that have better access to hearing aids, the better as a whole, the public is going to benefit from this option to have over the counter hearing aids. It's going to put hearing loss in the public eye. We're talking about it more. So that's a huge benefit. It also recognizes the research that is out there that links hearing loss with social isolation, depression, cognitive decline and dementia advocates also hope this move will ease the stigma around hearing aids and encourage those who suffer from hearing loss to reach out for help and not be ashamed of wearing these devices.