CVS Closes Hearing Centers as FDA Readies Rules for Over-the-Counter Sales of Hearing Aids

CVS Health announced the impending closure of its approximately 30 hearing centers, as it test new store formats and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drafts new rules that will allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter (OTC), reports CNBC . "The FDA is preparing to approve lower-cost, over-the-counter hearing devices in the near future, and new technology is emerging to enable self-serve hearing testing and care," said CVS spokesperson Erin Pensa. In 2020, the FDA will introduce regulations making it unnecessary for CVS to set aside space in stores for audiologists to conduct hearing tests and fit people for the devices. CVS also is experimenting with new store formats as its core drugstore business deals with competition from online companies like Amazon. The company is testing HealthHUBs, which offer more health services, like blood pressure testing and yoga classes. Hearing amplifiers are not subject to federal and state sales regulations, meaning they can be purchased over the counter.