From left: Andy Bopp, Hearing Industries Association, HLAA’s Brenda Battat, and Rep. Dean Heller.

The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) thanked Congressman Dean Heller (R – Nev) for his support of hearing health issues including the hearing aid tax credit (HR2329) during its annual convention in Reno, NV, June 12-14.

 Rep. Heller addressed the group during its meetings at the Grand Sierra Resort.  In addition to supporting HR2329, Rep. Heller also supported Early Hearing Detection & Intervention legislation which provides federal funds to support state efforts to screen infants at birth for hearing loss. Heller welcomed the HLAA members to Reno and added that he will do everything possible to support this legislation which he referred to as one of the few bills that he has decided to co-sponsor in this Congress. Heller was also interviewed at the conclusion of the program by an NBC camera crew from in Reno, and answered questions about the importance of passing the hearing aid tax credit.

HR2329 has attracted 89 co-sponsors including fellow representatives Shelley Berkley (D – Nev) and Jon Porter (R – Nev).  The legislation would provide a $500 tax credit towards the purchase of a hearing aid for children and for people 55 and older.

Medicare excludes hearing aid coverage as do most private insurance policies.  As a result, nearly two thirds of people who do not seek hearing aid treatment report that cost is a primary barrier.

HLAA was founded in 1979 to help to open the world of communication to
people with hearing loss.


Source: HLAA