Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill and Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
Only about a third of Americans who need prescription hearing aids can afford them.
Edelaney
Though the White House is denying that Medicaid and Medicare will be negatively impacted by President Trump’s big beautiful bill, according to WhiteHouse.gov, the specific health crisis of hearing aids wasn’t really on the radar in connection to this controversial piece of legislation.
Hearing loss has been described as a, "critical public health issue," by FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D.
"It affects the ability of millions of Americans to effectively communicate in their daily social interactions, Califf told People.
Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids Only offer Limited Solutions
It was certainly a move in the right direction when the FDA finalized a rule back in 2022 that would make hearing aids available without a prescription or medical exam. While people can now purchase them them over-the-counter at drugstores and online, these particular hearing aids are generally only helpful to those who have mild to moderate hearing loss, according to the FDA.
Those who choose to go the over-the-counter (OTC) route find that they need to do a great deal of research on their own because pharmacists have limited information and aren’t audiologists.
"The role of the pharmacist in OTC hearing aids is no different than it is in any other OTC product—they help to ensure the safe, appropriate, and effective use of the product, and OTC hearing aids will be another example of this,” Dr. Elaine Mormer, PhD, CCC-A, professor in the Department of Communication Science and Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh told Healthy Hearing.
Why Treating Hearing Loss is Important for Health and Wellness
Getting hearing loss treated is important. Not only is effective communication hindered as a result of hearing loss, but, “Brain scans show us that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain,” says Johns Hopkins expert Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D..
"Hearing loss also contributes to social isolation. You may not want to be with people as much, and when you are, you may not engage in conversation as much. These factors may contribute to dementia.
As you walk, your ears pick up subtle cues that help with balance. Hearing loss mutes these important signals. It also makes your brain work harder just to process sound. This subconscious multitasking may interfere with some of the mental processing needed to walk safely," Lin said.
Lin and his colleagues conducted a study that tracked 639 aduts for about 12 years. They discovered that a mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia. A moderate loss tripples that risk, and a severe hearing issue can cause people to be five times more likely to develop dementia.
All that being said, the CHIP program may be a resource for lower income families whose children receive screenings and show signs of a possible hearing problem, but insurance in general doesn’t typically cover hearing aids. A couple of websites that may be helpful regarding getting started in determining if an OTC hearing aid is needed are United Healthcare Hearing and Miracle Ear.
Financial Strain of Paying for Hearing Aids
Trying to pay for a hearing aid out of pocket would be a strain on the finances of many Americans. Hearing aids range in cost from $1,500 to $6000, and some may even top $7000. So only about a third of Americans who need hearing aids are able to afford them. Compare this to anywhere from $50 - $2000 for OTC, and that’s a pretty significant difference, but it can be confusing to know what to buy. Consumer Reports may be a helpful resource for going through the process of determining that.
If there can be any consolation at all in having to pay that much for a necessary medical device, it might be in the fact that companies often sell hearing aids as part of a bundle that can include hearing tests, hearing aid fitting, needed adjustments, routine cleaning, and a warranty.
