On Friday, President Donald Trump signed into law the Food and Drug Administration Reauthorization Act of 2017, legislation that includes the Over the Counter Hearing Aid Act designed to provide greater public accessibility and affordability with over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
The OTC Hearing Aid Act is designed to enable adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss to access OTC hearing aids without being seen by a hearing care professional. The new law, which was introduced in March by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), was passed by the US House on July 12 and the US Senate on August 3. It also comes on the heels of the elimination of the “physician waiver” system which had required consumers first to seek a physician for a medical evaluation or sign a waiver prior to obtaining a hearing aid.
The new legislation will require the FDA to create and regulate a category of OTC hearing aids to ensure they meet the same high standards for safety, consumer labeling, and manufacturing protection that all other medical devices must meet. It mandates the FDA to establish an OTC hearing aid category for adults with “perceived” mild-to-moderate hearing loss within 3 years of passage of the legislation, and finalize a rule within 180 days after the close of the comment period. However, what level of safety, labeling, and consumer protections will be included are currently being hotly debated (see HR’s Special Report on the recent NASEM Committee workshop) between stakeholders. Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has been pushing for a logo that would signify a voluntary compliance to a performance standard originally intended for personal sound amplification products (PSAPs). At the other end, the Hearing Industries Association (HIA) has been advocating for higher levels of safety and consumer protection, as well as manufacturing and performance standards. It is anticipated that the FDA will host several hearings, as well as a comment period prior to publishing the new regulations.
The American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and the HIA have expressed concerns about measures like the new reauthorization legislation that give persons with moderate hearing loss access to OTC hearing aids.
“Greater degrees of hearing loss are serious medical conditions with broader health implications,” ASHA President Gail J. Richard said in a recent statement. “People who experience greater than a mild degree of hearing loss could take the misguided step of trying to seek relief via OTC solutions. A better course of care would involve treatment overseen by a certified and licensed audiologist.”
Richard also said it is in the public’s interest that Congress require the FDA to track the safety and user satisfaction issues that arise with greater access to OTC hearing aids. “That way, they could better assess the implications of a do-it-yourself model for hearing care.”
In a recent article for The Hill, HIA Chairman and President of Starkey Hearing Technologies Brandon Sawalich cautioned, “Like a thumb print, every ear and hearing loss is unique. The greater the degree of hearing loss, (moderate, severe and profound), the greater the need for the services of a hearing professional to properly evaluate the hearing impairment, select the proper hearing aid for their loss, and provide patient education, care, counseling and service. Hearing loss correction with hearing aids is successful when the qualified professional human touch is brought into the process, not the cash register…Hearing loss is a medical issue, not a consumer electronics opportunity.”
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) may also be involved in the discussions, as the agency held an April workshop that looked at the myriad issues surrounding technology and competition in hearing aid distribution, as well as how OTC aids might impact customer satisfaction, the use of amplification products, consumer safety, and professional care. Hearing Review published a commentary by HIA in response to the workshop.
Interesting comments – everyone. Reason for the high costs of hearing aids is because too few people are purchasing hearing aids. Supply and demand dictate the costs. Too many people in the United States deny their hearing loss and do not purchase hearing aids. If more people bought them, costs would drop. When glasses became fashionable to wear, everyone purchased them and the costs dropped. If hearing aids were fashionable to wear across all ages, costs would drop. But no one wants to wear hearing aids because of the stigma of looking ‘old.’ It doesn’t matter whether you have mild or severe hearing loss – most people hate to admit and hate to deal with their hearing loss. Since Social Security passed their bill in 1964 and stated that hearing loss was not medically necessity to treat and hearing aids were not covered, we have not had any coverage since then. Only within the last 10 years has research, technology and science caught up to see that hearing loss lead up to dementia, depression, suicide and other negative actions. Laws need to be passed but it is the people who have hearing loss that need to speak up and not keep their mouths silent has had been in the last 30+ years.
As a ‘serious health condition’ hearings should then be covered by medical insurance. Why doesn’t Trump pass a bill for this??
Hearing aids that fit entirely into the ear canal will have limited performance as there just is not much room for advanced digital technology available in a BTE (behind the ear) design. Possibly IEC (in ear canal) models are selected for self vanity reasons. BTE models hide nicely behind the ear and a little longer hair growth. I wear a pair of Resound Digital BTE model with #312 batteries. In hindsight, I would prefer a model that uses a size #13 for longer battery life. Cost two years ago was $3k for the pair. With my 25 years of experience, BTE is the way to go.
When you go to a doctor of audiology for a $2000 plus hearing aid with 48 channels and 20 plus bands, they base their service to you on 1 audiogram covering only 8 bands. How in the world can this be possible? It can’t.
Why pay for the 48 channels and 20 plus bands and only use 8?
One doctor of audiology acted insulted when I asked about this and I left that business.
Hearing loss is complicated! Buying an amplifier that fits in the ear so no one will see it is bound to fail. Hearing loss is an invisible disability that others can’t readily recognize. Anyone selling hearing aids should have to have some level of training because one size does not fit all. I am deaf in one ear and very hard of hearing in the other and I have spent hours with my audiologist adjusting my aids to give me the ability to hear what I can with help qnd not be completely lost when dealing with the rest of the world. A person with serious loss isw desperate to regain hearing and will spend considerable money in an attempt to do that. There will be many disappointed people spending much more for cheap junk pushed by smoothe ads that will promise instant hearing restoration for a few hundred bucks. Save your money and go see a trained professional. Wear them for 30 days and if they do not help you take them back for a refund! Don’t deal with anyone that does not offer that guarantee.
Not everyone has complicated hearing loss like you have Leland.. Mild to moderate is the average.
I just paid $2,400 for a pair of hearing aids that I then saw advertised for about 50% of that.
This is a medical condition not a choice to buy a luxury item. My hearing loss is work related.
Yes ALSO…IMPLANTS DENTAL SHOULD BE COVERED..WHATS THE MATTER HERE?I CAN GET A BRIDGE FOR A MISSING FRONT TOOTH WHERE THEY GRIND AWAY 2 TEETH ON EITHER SIDE DESTROYING THEM BASICALLY YET THESE PERMANENTARIAL BRIDGES LAST ONLY 8 O 10 YEARS AT BEST.NOW HERE IS WHAT I KNOW..THEY COST ME OUTTA POCKET ABOUT 3 GRAND WITH BLUE CROSS DENTAL SO THINK ABOUT IT WHY??WELL PERSONALLY I THINK THE DENTISTS WANT TO KEEP DOING THESE BRIDGES TO MAKE MO EY CAUSE THEY KNOW IF THEY EVER LEARN INPLANTS (I’VE BEEN TOLD IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE BY A FELLOW HYGENTIST)THE COST WILL SOON GO WAY DOWN AND SO WILL their momo (cashola?yea same Ole bul script GREEEEEEEED? LET’S GET THIS FIXED USA! I’m sitting here tonight on disability with myfront steel reinforced bridge wobbling AS I eat because they came loose after only 1 year and so I went to this dentist here in Shreveport,La. On Kingston road south Shreveport..3rd time I have went I after 2 years of coming loose,.She try to pull out with p,iers to reglued them all..FAILS..GIVES ME A CARD TO ANOTHER GUY WHO DOES DENTURES TO DO IT CAUSE SHE CANNOT HANDLE IT..WELL THEY CALLED ME 4 MONTHS LATER SAY I G I OWED HER 50 DOLLARS FOR WHAT?IASKED?FOR A OFFICE VISIT….HUMMMM I TOLD HER IF I WAS OUT WORKING ON A WELL IN THE OIL N GAS FIELD AND TOLD MY CUSTOMER I COULDN’T FINISH WHAT I STARTED THEY WOULD LAUGH IF I ASKED FOR A SERVICE FEE….THOS DENTAL ROBBERY REA,LY NEEDS INVESTIGATION G AND REGULATED…..
If it’s work-related make comp pay for it
I’ve read many of these posts and am left wondering if the same people that say purchasing hearing aids from the person diagnosing them with a hearing loss is bad feel the same way about their Dr.’s prescribing medication??
You get what you pay for! I see many people complaining of cost.
I bet many of those same “cost conscious” people would complain about free hearing aids too as soon as they broke down and no one was around to service them??
Hmmm?
Shame on the hearing aid industry for victimizing the hearing impaired for so long. And shame on them for pretending to care about the hearing impaired – it’s all about profit.
Profit that prevented millions of consumers from access to hearing technology because they couldn’t afford it. Access to new technology because your lobbying closed the OTC market for so long.
Shame on Starkey et al for not lobbying for Hearing Protection and Education for parents, youth and children regarding the dangers of earbuds, headsets, that hearing loss is the #1 preventable health hazard facing children and youth today.
The new law will open innovation and technology and make hearing help available to more people, sooner.
Now we need to make sure the HIA doesn’t block the intent of this law.
Companies like mine have a lot to contribute to the next generation of hearing technology. Consumers have a right to the benefits of better performance, lower cost and the choice of unobtrusive or cool looking hardware.
HIA members have their place – but it’s not in the consumers pocket anymore. Embrace the change, let competition drive you to improve your technology.
HIA’s multi-Billion dollar business model of catering to the wealthy or ransoming hearing ability from the poor deserves disruption.
I purchased the Bose HearPhones from Best Buy in December of 2017 with a 30-day trial. My Siemens’ hearing aids have been in the drawer ever since.
HearPhones are not for the vain or for people who don’t want others to know of the user’s hearing loss. I got over the vanity part in about 20 seconds. Some folks ask if I’m listening to music, but I tell them the truth, “I’m wearing these because I want to hear what you are saying”.
They don’t go in the ear, so the don’t itch. They are rechargeable, and extremely adjustable via my smartphone app. Adjustments include total volume, treble/bass, focus (90-180-360 degrees), left/right volume for tricky situations, four preset modes that I established up front, such as television and music, plus up to ten more presets that I can create for my own purposes.
I have one for my home office (kills the fan hum), another for restaurants, and so on.
When receiving or making a call on the cell phone, the person’s voice is bluetoothed loud and clear to the middle of my head. (Be prepared to be startled by this!)
I got a second set for backup, just in case.
Amazon sells them, too. $500.
I would love to see legislature passed to require health insurance companies to have coverage for hearing aids and supplies.My daughter has worn them all of her life and struggles as an adult to afford the $5k-$6k they cost out of pocket with no tax right off or financial assistance for working people.
This is a necessary medical device to live and be a productive.
My audiologist sold me $5000+ devices in 2009. Just got back from appointment where audiologist demanded $1000 per to conform my same-brand, privately purchased, upgrades. Allowing medical service providers to be vendors of hearing products puts profit before care. I assume this means that When I pay an audiologist for Medical services, I am also paying him or her a mark up of 40-50% if I also buy the product(s) prescribed.
Glad to learn of this law to protect consumers.
I agree. I have found an audiologist who will tell me the best hearing aid for my loss, I can buy it online for a fraction of the price, and than he will adjust it for me. I pay him for the services he provides, and do not pay him for selling me what I don’t need… You should always avoid buying from those who’s advice you seek.
Hi – I agree that OTC hearing aid purchase will break the monopoly that occurs in the hear aid industry. I just purchase a hearing from a local hearing aid center for $2,300 on trail. Went home and was trying to get information on the aid and came across a ad for $300 OMG. I tell you I was shocked that I ran back to store and said here I we don’t need this. I go the aid $300 and work great and is identical to the one sold for $2,300 rip off
I would like to know how this is done . My husband has bought three heating aids now, two from audiologists who also sell them. The ones he bought from them were better without doubt but 5 times the price. We simply cannot afford another set but it’s a huge problem for us and ang aging population . I’d like to be able to get the professional advise and eval but then purchase what they suggest through another outlet . The eye glass industry has done this for years. They give you a script and tell you where you can get it filled. We have never had a problem with this. Passing this legislation to enable hearing aids at an affordable price is truly a bi partisan move which all should be thankful for . I am a soeech pathologist too and support my fellow audiologists but this industry management is truly not helping most get what they can offer .
Asking an audiologist for a hearing aid is like asking a car salesmen if you need a new car! I was diagnosed with “mild” loss and audiologist began trying to fit me in 7K worth of aids. . . NOT.
Dan,Where did you get hearing aids for $300?.I just returned a pair to the audiologist that wanted $3900 .I tried the NANO hearing aids that I had on trial and they are worthless.The background noise is horrible.I used the $3900 ones on trial also.They worked great but on social security that is expensive.There has got to be some affordable hearing aids somewhere.
I am not rich enough to afford hearing aids and I am not poor enough to qualify for aid
Hearing aids do not survive forever they are easily lost they are easily consumed I have purchased MD hearing aids I have purchased $3000 a piece hearing aids I have had hearing aids replaced through home owners insurance and I have paid for the replacement of several hearing aids I have had hearing loss since my 20s there is nothing physically wrong with my ears I cannot function without hearing aids my hearing aides. Hearing aids are essential in my life but I cannot afford them
Digital Hearing aids, in my opinion, are terrible. Give me my old analogue hearing aids any day. I have been wearing Hearing Aids for 45 years.
I personally feel the pricing of hearing aids is almost 1000% of cost of manufacturing one. If a Bluetooth and in ear headphones costs are in hundreds of Dollars ( the best ones), the same technology and components are used in hearing aids. So, why is a hearing cost around $4K to $5K and above. It’s just a rip off by the hearing aid industry.
Buying a hearing instrument from a professional licensed dispenser or Audiologist comes with more than just the product itself. Consider the time and commitment that person has invested in your success with amplification. Getting help for your hearing problem is not just “your” problem, it is everybody’s problem who encounters you. Counseling, training, programming, evaluating, a trained professional who knows what to look for, beyond just your missing some conversation in noise, may be able to find other medically terminal health concerns that you would never find by getting a device over the counter and without an ear inspection, or evaluation to start with. How much is that worth? To take care of you for 3 years? Have you considered the amount of money you may spend at the doctors office over the last three years? Getting hearing aids from a professional provider is “peanuts” comparatively. But now that everyone is shouting that hearing aids are expensive, and we are causing professionals to unbundle their pricing, don’t be upset when they do offer even yet lower pricing like PSAPs and OTC devices, but increase their service rates to provide care and services for these “limited” products. Not all PSAP/OTC products are created equal and overall DO NOT MEASURE UP to even entry level quality hearing aids. Consider this article printed in the Hearing Review October 23, 2018 https://hearingreview.com/2018/10/coupler-real-ear-performance-psaps-hearing-aids/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=HR%20Insider%2010.25&campaign_type=newsletter&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8x-M0RWDC_z2CINoNqKjY7VqdPRUaKuUkfOr9RFAUf_VlGyID878adubszqmdX27StbdxThqDJySoLv_2rVDcUP_LiKA&_hsmi=66950966
A better answer to the hearing aid question is President Trump acting to provide a tax relief or deduction on your taxes when you buy hearing aids. Then see how many people will flock to buy them and not even whimper a sound as they sign the contracts for hearing aids! You may even see a few people “faking” a hearing loss just to get the benefit.
Vinny,
I agree!!
Vinny,you make some good points. In regard to a tax incentive there needs to be a tax credit rather than a deduction. Deductions only reduce taxable income while credits reduce taxes directly. Furthermore, a deduction for hearing aids would likely be considered a medical expense which are only deductible to the extent that they exceed 7.5% of Adjusted Gross Income as an itemized deduction. Most would not qualify for a deduction or would receive a minimal deduction.
Why would anyone buy a hearing aid from the person who diagnosed the hearing loss. They will tell you that you need one even if your hearing is fine. This is an obvious conflict of interest. An RX should be given and then you could shop to have it filled.
I have been on both sides of the fence as a specialist and one who suffers from a precipitous hearing loss. Folks, before you buy an OTC aid, please educate yourself. A good resource is the Better Hearing Institute http://www.betterhearing.org I believe. The secret to the best possible treatment is finding a specialist that properly educated, can THINK ON THEIR OWN and gives a damn. While I do believe there MAY be a risk of damaging one’s hearing further by an improper fit, the greater risk, in my opinion, is overlooking a potential underlying medical issue that will cause a continuous deterioration of hearing or worse, missing a diagnosis that, left untreated, could lead to premature death. Hearing is one of the most complicated systems in the body. With a lot of physical conditions, you can see or feel something that tells you to go to a doctor-some of us more hard headed than others
Your comments make sense and are no doubt well intended. But … might miss the mark. Most people who would be reading this piece, KNOW we’ve got a hearing loss. And we know that the cost and insurance barrier are prohibitive. Pick your poison. I prefer hearing … and resent being held hostage to get that. Why can I have a phone computer that will take me anywhere at push of a button on $20/month … and I can’t afford a hearing aid?
Anyone who knows they need a OTC hearing aid amplifier type, can purchase one at Costco and many other outlets and at low cost.
I spent $1000 from my medical savings account on 1 hearing aid. The audiologist really pushed for me to buy 2. THERE WAS NO IMPROVEMENT IN MY HEARING. Why didn’t the audiologist test my hearing while I was wearing their company’s hearing aid? There should be a prescription for hearing loss the way their is one for vision loss. And their should be hearing aides that fill that prescription just like there is for vision.
Most major insurance will pay to tell you that you need hearing aids or glasses but do not pay for the actual hearing aid or glasses…I just paid over $600 for glasses and $2500 for 1 hearing aid that doesn’t really sound quite right.
If otc hearing aides are available now where can you buy them?? And how much do they cost for a pair?? I have not seen any advertisement or ads for these otc hearing aides. I need some and can’t afford the high cost from a company that charges 1500 for each aide?can someone let me know where you can purchase these???
As the article states, the OTC classification is still being designed by the FDA and it is anticipated that the Agency will take the full allotted time for recommendations and commentary before implementing it.
One company I have some experience with is SportEar. Their product Open 30 BTE Electronic Ear Protection is $699 but I just got a code for 15% off which is pretty common. You start by getting a free test at any Costco (membership not required), then send SportEar your results. You order it; they program the device for you and ship it out.
Costco offers premium quality hearing aids for $1600 a pair! Check them out.
Ijust bought a set of bluetooth heating aids from a company called MD Hearing Aid. I worked with a consultant named Dawn-Marie over the telephone. She spent a lot of time with me asking me about issues I had with my hearing and I was able to pay $1600.00 with a money back guarantee. I got my aids in a week and so far I am really happy with them. The service was great and these devices were a lot less than my Costco devices.
Costo is a total nightmare. i have the Resound Forza with remote mic. the tubes to make the remote mic (outside of the actual h. aid) constantly break. Then you have to wait forever to get an appt. then while out for repair they break something else. Most of the employees are worthless. I’ve been trying to get my left aid for several months since they “fixed” it for the last remote mic repair. Now they are telling me. Oh, it’s been five years (me, not quite) Resound will no longer repair your aid. So, it is disposable?!! They didn’t tell me that when i asked the cost to repair the aid when my warranty is up. This should be illegal. They think they are Apple or something. I keep waiting for an appt. Now i am almost at 5 years. They cancelled my appt over and over again. Oh, and if you can’t hear with the program you set to your most recent hearing test…..this is a nightmare too. You won’t be able to hear without another appt. I can see why the new trial period has been doubled since i bot these over four years ago. it is now 180 days…..because good luck ever getting and keeping your appt.
My experience with the identical style aid is exactly the opposite of yours. My Costco hearing aid fitter was far more professional than my degreed “professional” audiologist, who only wanted to maximize her profit. I’ve had Costco aids for around twelve years now…zero problems and good service.
I suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss and struggle with the stigma of a hearing aid due to my age and profession. After researching I came across a company called Nuheara who are embarking on a mission to change the closed shop monopoly of hearing aid companies by offering a cost effective and multi purpose device available at a under $600 dollars. I have pre ordered their new IQ Boost and looking forward to gauging the results.
You’re a salesperson.
So why do hearing aids cost around $700.00 on the east coast and around $2500.00 on the west coast. Makes no sense. A complete rip off.
There are all kinds of hearing aids and hearing devices, and most importantly the service (or lack of service) related to them. For an example of the wide price ranges associated with the different hearing care offices (ranging from independents to big box stores), see the recent HR Survey of RIC Pricing in 2017.
For those of us with severe to profound hearing loss, we have to spend a bit more on our hearing aids. My last two pair were about $1,700 for each aid. I live in the Pittsburgh area. I’ve been able to use my employer’s flexible spending account in two consecutive years. That way I could pay for one in one year and the other in the next year. Then I hope that our co-pays and other costs aren’t very high. In my case, I have some annoying disease called cholesteatoma – a couple of famous people with the same disease are Stephen Colbert and Bradley Cooper. Very simply – cholesteatoma sucks!
Three years?! We’re talking about the elderly here… We could be dead by then! I can buy a pair of reading glasses over the counter for less than $10… There is no reason we should pay $2,000 for a hearing aid.
Hearing aids are not glasses….it is a piece of technology, a computer that is worn on the hearing aid to assist in providing speech understanding. It is not a corrective device like eyeglasses it is a rehabilitative tool that requires fine tuning and time to adjust to “new sound”.
The FDA just gave Bose permission to market an OTC hearing aid under this new law.
Right now, my $5000 hearing aid is on its way back to the factory in Minnesota, after the 1st failed attempt to repair died after two minutes.
Even when working, if the channels need adjusting or the microphone gets clogged, it requires me to drive to the hearing aid store.
The “professional” “testing your hearing” thing is just nonsense for most people. There are cell phone apps written by the companies that make the hearing aids to test your hearing and the results are the same as the audiologist in the soundproof booth.
The Bose hearing aid will allow complete control via a mobile app. With the aids inserted, it should be able to accurately measure and set volume levels for each channel. This is not rocket science.
Thank you Congress and President Trump!
I have lived with profound loss over 50 years. The hearing aid manufacturers spend a tremendous amount of money in research and development. The cost of an instrument is not just the physical parts. What bothers me most is the severe to profound folks see innovation last, since they are a small percentage of the market. I believe a better approach would be to require across the board spread of innovation instead of the piecemeal approach to the severe to profound market. Now that would be fair.
I worked as a team member which designed hearing aids. Make no mistake. The modern hearing aid is a marvel of technology. However, I know what it costs to produce hearing aids. I can tell you that production costs are minuscule when compared to the final cost the consumer pays. I also know the diagnosis of most common hearing loss can be done with a computer and software and the hearing can be programmed to fit the users hearing profile. All very inexpensive stuff. This is not to diminished the services provided by highly skilled and professional doctors and audiologist. However It remains a mystery to me as to why the high cost and where that moneys goes. Maybe if the Hearing professional would break down the expenses and explain this to the consumer there would be more trust and acceptance of the costs.
Agree 100%! If you are an audiologist that provides outstanding care, adds real value, understands the importance of patient engagement, respects the intelligence of your patients and educates them thoroughly, then the OTC law should be a blessing. Now the professional has an opportunity to present and charge for their real value. Unbundle the costs and create true value for your service! And by the way- don’t think the big hearing aid manufacturer’s aren’t in on this. They have been selling OTC products behind the backs of the audiologists for years. They win no matter what.
Hearing aids are one of the biggest rip-offs that there is for seniors. By to-days standards a hearing aid is a very simple electronic device. There are loads of devises today that are much more complex than a hearing aid for under $40.00—Example mini drone controls cameras ect.
Costco is the best place to buy hearing aids. There’s a Kirkland brand at $1700 for two excellent hearing aids. If your hearing is lousy, go to Costco for a hearing test and buy hearing aids from them. I did this and I’m very pleased with the results.
Bought a $2500 ($2000 too much) pair of hearing aids at Costco May 2017. Changed my life. Can now engage at parties, dinners, work and home.
If a smart phone or a laptop can be acquired for around $1000, no good reason for hearing aids to cost $2500-$7500!
Where are you shopping and what overpriced state of the art stuff are you buying? Very good smartphones and laptops can be had for WAY WAY less than a 1000 bucks. My HP laptop kicks ass at 220 bucks. My Samsung G6 is a great $120 phone. Don’t tell me hearing aids need to cost $1000 because they don’t.
As an Audiologist I feel that the consumer needs to be aware of the differences between amplifiers and hearing aids. The configuration of hearing loss is different for every single hearing impaired individual. To imagine anyone having the ability (OTC manufacturers)to cover all of the possible types of hearing losses will be difficult for sure. They types of amplifiers have been available over the counter and online for several years and were sometimes labeled as PSAP. It may be a solution for some but I personally feel that it will not a solution for most. The American Academy of Audiology has fought for years trying to get congress to pass a bill to provide a tax credit to those who need to purchase hearing aids, we have been unsuccessful. However, all of our government leaders have coverage for hearing aids with their policies so they really don’t seem to care about the rest of their constituents. It will be interesting to see how the OTC devices will work.
As a person with a hearing disability, I agree that I should be checked by a hearing professional, however most insurance companies do not pay for routine hearing test or hearing aides. There should be some type of legislation requiring insurance companies to recognize hearing loss as a medical issue and cover all services related. I’m also a Federal employee and it’s open season and I’m looking to see what insurance for Federal employees cover hearing aides. If know of any please let me know.
I am trying to hold off on buying a pair of hearing aids until the Act is in effect. I am willing to wait a year (end of 2018) but no more. Even Costco is too pricey for me.
Anyone know how long I will need to wait before buying aids?
Christine
3 years from the passing of the bill (which happened last year).
Why would you have to wait 3 years? They are out now. I need one now and looking for what i need.
So — nothing changes for at least 3 years plus, which may well mean that what is being debated on this time may not even be relevant by then? Thought this administration was ridding of us government regulations, but this one may or may not even occur.
No doubt the audiologists and manufacturers will push back hard against giving access to hearing aids directly without their “expertise”. But consumers will also need to advocate for the ability to buy devices over the counter. The monopoly in this industry needs to be broken. One only needs to look at the costs of hearing aids at Costco to see what the markup is elsewhere!
Many people I know have 4-6 thousand dollar hearing aids which have ended up in a drawer not being used. I am thankful there will be OTC aids for $300 or so. That way when I finally buy them and they also end up in a drawer, I will have spent one tenth the codt
I hope and pray that the government gets out and stays out of the Hearing Aid business. Consumers are plenty smart to decide these things for themselves, despite the whining of those in the industry.
The cost of hearing aids is a closely guarded secret by the HIMSA group. I have variously heard that their acquisition price is never more than $99 per aid. So the mark ups are pre-planned. At the clinical level the mark ups are considerably less. If the manufacturer reduces their prices, we can fit aids at half the current costs. But the entry level aids are a hoax. I am certain that cosmetic appeal will never happen, and I don’t see any significant increase in the wearing of aids by younger people. Hearing loss dictates the psychological component of “when to wear”. This is usually when the thresholds drop to 60 db at 4000hz. Until then, no one will be motivated to wear aids without the intervention of a specialist. Hnce, passing the buck to the consumer will not be helpful. They need our professional help.
I have worked for hearing aid companies for 15 years, i can assure you 99 dollars is not even close to the cost of the patient. You heard wrong. Owners pay anywhere from 700 to 4000 dollars for products from the manufactures. There is a mark up because there has to be otherwise companies wouldn’t be in business. You dont just pay for the aid you pay for a service. A service that helps you take care of the aids, adjust them for you via computer, gives you hearing tests annually to reprogram the aids.
Although this sounds like a good idea, I don’t think “perceived” hearing loss is a good judgement criteria. Overlooking a doctor or Audiologist could also overlook other more serious problems related to hearing loss. What about counseling and service of these OTC devices. Who will take care of and pay for that?
I agree in part, everyone should have an MD check their ears out first. but whats wrong with trying a few options OTC that have guarantees? That’s what I will do.
About time. Hearing aid manufacturers and audiologists will undoubtedly scream bloody murder at what amounts to deregulation of their monopolistic hold on hearing aids. This should open the door to innovation. As a physician with severe hearing loss, I applaud this legislation. I hope the FDA moves ahead quickly to authorize devices. I hope too, that it provides a stimulus to the entire area of hearing loss help including assistive listening systems and devices in public places. There has been a shameful dearth of such for the millions of handicapped Americans who would like to hear what is going on in churches, public meetings and places of entertainment.
I’ve been in the hearing aid business for 17 years. There has always been hearing aids available that cost less than $300, you can go on ebay and find them for less than $100. The OTC act was created so Samsung and Bose, who have deep pockets and can buy politicians, can get into the hearing aid business. The problem with hearing loss is theres no pain involved and people would rather walk around not hearing than to spend money to correct it.
I have ringing in my ears it’s hard for me to get hearing aids it’s the cost but your insurance only pays for one and I have ringing in both ears I was reading where you said people with hearing loss there’s no pain you’re right there’s no pain what about people with ringing in the ears that’s pain it hurts and it drives you crazy when you’re weary hearing aid it brings down the tone in your ears
I am a speech pathologist and work with multiple individuals that suffer from hearing loss. All of the individuals that I work with most certainly need to be followed by an audiologist yearly as well as have specialized hearing aids for their particular loss. I am scared that many parents are going to obtain over the counter hearing aids for their children which could affect the ability to acquire normal language development as well as articulation skills. This could potentially be a huge factor in the progress these children (and adults) make in therapy. I am extremely disturbed by this and while I think that hearing aids should be more accessible to individuals financially I do think that millions of individuals will have additional deficits if not fitted correctly with an aid. I would much rather mandate that insurance covers hearing examination and aids for those individuals who need these services.
I agree! I have had to go years without desperately needed hearing aids because I did not have cash or credit to buy them. This has made me practically unemployable and ruined my social life and almost every area of my life. It got so bad that I’ve become a near-hermit and I’m a very outgoing healthy person otherwise.
It’s ridiculous to NEED something that is way out of reach financially,
thankfully, Colorado will supply much-needed CapTel phones (landline) to low income folks, but you still have to pay for expensive landline phone service.
it’s ridiculous to make folks like me unemployable …
Thank you. I applaud you for your support. I am 66 with hearing loss in both ears. I have had stapendectomy surgery of both ears and at that time I was advised eventually I would lose more hearing! My loss is so significant I retired from my job as Jury Manager at a local government level. I currently lease my hearing aids as it’s the only way I could afford to buy them
I would love to see them do something about the fact that hearing aids aren’t covered by insurance. I need to spend approximately $6,000 every 5 years on just my aids. That doesn’t include batteries, doctor visits, repairs or servicing!
I would highly recommend Costco for your hearing aid needs. Half the cost on the aids-great warranty coverage, no service fees or doctor visit charges.
I didn’t name any names, but you are correct in your recommendation. If a person has a problem which requires the involvement of an actual audiologist, then they are really up against the wall of overpricing. If they can get by with being fitted by a decently trained technician using up to date computer apps and associated testing equipment, then Costco is the answer.
If you have Kaiser, I received wonderful hearing aids with 2 year guaranteed, and the audiologists rechecks your hearing aids in 6 months than again in one year. I asked for the best one she would recommend for the price. It cost me a total of 1750.00 for two hearing aids half the price of Costco’s.
There is no way a hearing aid should cost $1000. With IC and Micro Electronics you can create a quality hearing aid for <$300 The $3000 Units still being sold are total ripoffs.
You absolutely are correct. I have been wearing bilateral hearing aids for many years and have felt ripped off with each new set.
My initial evaluation was by a licensed professional audiologist.. He did an excellent job of evaluating my problem and fitting me with my first aids. That said, many would have not been able to afford the cost and simply would have gone without the assistance they needed.
Thereafter, I have purchased my hearing aids at a large box store which we all know. I understand my loss, a combination of noise-induced loss and, now, age. The box store has trained technicians who have at their disposal up to date testing equipment and associated computer applications to provide excellent fitting. The cost is so much cheaper and the results quite satisfactory. That said, the big box store is making plenty on the over-priced aids, as I suspect are the manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
I believe that quality hearing aids could be sold for half the big box store prices and everyone involved still would make money, just not the obscene amount they now make.
In a land where health care is not a priority it is unsurprising that OTC is the response of govt to the huge problem of untreated loss of hearing. Funding treatment for all would improve America. OTC will not. Some parts of Canada (BC) also need to wake up and make hearing loss treatment a part of universal health care.
Agree, and — not going to happen.
If you want “free everything” there are socialist nations where you can get it. You will have to wait years and have a52 percent tax rate. But everything will be “free”, except the people.
Who do you think pays for all the FREE stuff.