Speak Up: Advocate for Hearing Care and People with Hearing Loss
Sharing your concerns to help influence public policy on hearing care is an impactful way you can make a difference.
Category: Legislation
Legislation
Latest
Legislation
Latest
Wisconsin State Rep Commends Law Supporting Sale of OTC Hearing Aids
State Rep. Shelia Stubbs supports amending a statute that prohibits businesses from engaging with OTC hearing aids without a license.
Legislation
Latest
NCL Supports “Safe OTC Hearing Aid Standards”
Mild-to-moderate hearing loss is a difficult reality that millions of Americans struggle with, which is why the availability of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids is exciting for those who are impacted by hearing loss. While making OTC hearing aids more accessible is a promising step for consumers, we at NCL would be remiss if we didn’t underscore our concerns around the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed OTC hearing regulations as they currently exist.
Phrase ‘Deaf and Dumb’ Slated for Removal from Tennessee State Code
In an effort to remove what some call “offensive language,” from state code, Tennessee legislators are petitioning to purge the phrase “deaf and dumb” from the records and replace it with “deaf or hard of hearing,” according to an article in “Newsweek.”
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Hearing Aids May Be Covered By Insurance in Washington State Soon
A new bill introduced in the Washington State Legislature may make coverage for exams, fittings, and hearing instruments, among other things, mandatory for health insurance companies beginning in January 1, 2023, according to an article in “The Olympian.”
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Sen. Tina Smith Introduces Bill for Veteran’s Hearing Care
A bill introduced by Minnesota Senator Tina Smith may ease the way for veterans to receive treatment for tinnitus or hearing loss related to their military service.
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BSL May Become Recognized Language in UK
A new bill introduced by a member of British Parliament, Rosie Cooper, could help make British Sign Language (BSL) a recognized language, according to an article in “The Guardian.”
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Sens. Grassley, Warren Support FDA Rule on OTC Hearing Aids
In a letter to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcock, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) expressed their support for key provisions in the FDA’s proposed rule for regulating over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
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Maine Bill Would Mandate CMV Testing in Newborns
A new bill winding its way through the Maine Legislature would make newborn screenings for cytomegalovirus (CMV) compulsory in the state, according to an article on the “News Center Maine (WCSH)” website.
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Starkey Releases Statement Addressing Biden’s Competition Council Announcement
A statement from Starkey President Brandon Sawalich addresses President Biden’s announcement about the White House Competition Council, which was established by the July 2021 Promoting Competition in the American Economy executive order advancing US economic competition.
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Eargo Supports Proposed Rule for OTC Hearing Aids
Eargo, Inc (Nasdaq: EAR), a medical device company on a mission to improve the quality of life of people with hearing loss, announced the submission of public comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning its proposed rule to create a new regulatory category of over the counter (OTC) hearing aids.
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HLAA Files Comments to FDA for OTC Hearing Aid Rule
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) announced that it filed comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its proposed rule establishing Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids. Once finalized by the FDA, consumers 18 and older with mild-to- moderate hearing loss will be able to purchase hearing aids at retail and online outlets.
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NAAG Urges FDA to Preserve State Regulation of OTC Hearing Aids
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) cautions that OTC hearing aid rules currently under review by the FDA may unintentionally hinder or repeal important consumer protection authorities, undermining states’ ability to ensure safe and affordable access to hearing aids. Currently, all 50 states have hearing professional licensing requirements and many have important protections for hearing aid consumers, including advertising restrictions, as well as mandatory warrantees and returns.
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HIA Responds to Proposed FDA OTC Hearing Aid Rule
The Hearing Industries Association (HIA) announced that it has submitted comments in response to the proposed over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid rules published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 20, 2021.
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Justice Department Settles with Hospital Over ‘ADA’ Complaint
The settlement resolves a complaint by a deaf patient who alleged that despite her requests for an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for her labor and delivery, Advent failed to provide an interpreter or any other communication aid or service.
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ACI Alliance Supports Passage of 2021 ‘EDHI Act’
The House of Representatives passed “HR 5561, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2021,” on a 410-17 vote. The bill would reauthorize the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the ACI Alliance said in its announcement.
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Senate Mulls “Build Back Better Act” and Coverage of Hearing Aids by Medicare
The $1.9 trillion Build Back Better Act was passed by the US House of Representatives on Friday, November 19, and is now with the Senate for what is sure to be a bumpy ride. The bill includes coverage of hearing aids once every 5 years for people with severe to profound hearing loss, as well as funding for universal preschool, expanded Child Tax Credits, several health and pandemic-related initiatives, renewable energy credits, and more.
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“Build Back Better” Infrastructure Bill Includes Medicare Hearing Care Coverage
The “Build Back Better” legislation being considered by Congress would provide Medicare coverage of hearing aids and services once per ear every 5 years, and now includes audiologists, hearing aid specialists, and other qualified healthcare providers.
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