Seniors suffering from hearing loss have good reason to cheer. They should soon be able to purchase quality hearing aids over the counter. The Over the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid Act of 2017 is poised to become law. Passed by Congress this summer, the Act authorizes the FDA to create a new category of regulated, over the counter hearing aids. With 30 million Americans (and 4 in 5 seniors) experiencing hearing loss, this is sweet relief for seniors’ pocketbooks and overall health.
Prescription hearing aids can cost as much as $2,500 each (or $5,000 a pair). The hefty price tag can be a severe strain for seniors living on fixed incomes, especially since Medicare does not cover hearing aids. That’s why some 70% of Americans between age 65 and 84 with hearing loss are not using hearing aids. They simply cannot afford to.
The anticipated new generation of OTC hearing aids – meant for people with “mild to moderate” hearing loss – will retail for a fraction of the prescription price:
“By opening the market to OTC aids, manufacturers of consumer electronics — from giants such as Apple and Samsung to small startups — could enter the hearing aid space and sell directly to consumers… [at a retail price] between $150 and 299.” – The Hill Newspaper
Imagine being able to buy high-quality hearing aids at your local pharmacy or grocery store for as little as $150, bypassing the time-consuming and expensive process of acquiring them from an audiologist. Of course, those with more serious hearing impairment will and should continue to seek prescription hearing aids through a specialist.
As we discussed yesterday on Facebook Live, this is not just a matter of personal cost. It’s a public health issue. Hearing loss is a gateway to other potential medical problems – including fatigue, stress, depression and memory loss. Access to affordable, high-quality OTC hearing aids means that millions of seniors will likely be able to hear better and stay healthier.
National Committee President Max Richtman hailed the new law as a victory for seniors and all Americans with hearing impairment:
“As someone who suffers from hearing loss, I understand what this new law means for seniors’ health – and their pocketbooks. While we hope that Medicare will eventually cover hearing aids, the OTC Hearing Aid Act is a common sense, compassionate measure that will improve seniors’ access to quality devices.” – Max Richtman, President of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
The new law is the product of the kind of bipartisanship that most Americans yearn for. It was cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Charles Grassley (R-IA). The House bill was cosponsored by Democratic representative Joe Kennedy III and Republican Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn. The Over the Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 proves that, under the right circumstances, sensible members of both parties can come together to improve the lives of ordinary Americans.