Tag: Chuck Grassley

According to news reports from Washington, DC, US Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have announced that they will introduce the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2016. The bipartisan bill would make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter (OTC) and remove “unnecessary and burdensome” requirements that currently create barriers for many consumers who could benefit from hearing aids. Elizabeth Warren, US Senator (D-Mass) Approximately 30 million Americans experience age-related hearing loss, yet statistics indicate that only about 14% of those with hearing loss use assistive hearing technology, often because they cannot afford costly hearing aids. “Millions of people in Massachusetts and across the country experience hearing loss as they get older, but are unable to get the hearing aids they need because of high costs and complicated regulations,” Warren said. “This bipartisan bill is a simple fix that that will make hearing aids easier to access and, unlike in the current marketplace, will make it easier for consumers to shop for the best value.” Chuck Grassley, US Senator (R-Iowa) “I hear from Iowans about the high cost of hearing aids, and I understand the concern,” Grassley said. “If you can buy non-prescription reading glasses over the counter, it makes sense that you should be able to buy basic, safe hearing aids, too. The goal is that by making more products more easily available to consumers, competition will increase and lead to lower costs. More consumer choice and convenience are what we want to accomplish with this legislation. This won’t affect those who need professional expertise to be fitted for hearing aids or have hearing aids implanted. The over-the-counter option is for those who would benefit from a simpler device.” The Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2016 would allow hearing aids that are intended to be used by adults to compensate for mild-to-moderate hearing loss to be sold over the counter, and would eliminate the requirement that people get a medical evaluation or sign a waiver in order to acquire these hearing aids. It also asks the FDA to issue regulations containing safety and labeling requirements for this new category of OTC hearing aids and update its draft guidance on Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs). The Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act implements recommendations from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, which have both issued reports recommending making some types of hearing aids available over the counter and removing the requirement of a medical evaluation in order to allow millions more Americans to access hearing aids. Out-of-pocket costs for a single hearing aid currently average around $2,400. According to a report by PCAST, “There is considerable evidence that hearing aids can be profitably sold for a fraction of today’s end-user cost.” The text of the senators’ bill is available here, and a fact sheet is available here. The legislation will be introduced when the Senate returns to session. To view opinions about this issue as expressed by thought leaders in the hearing healthcare industry, please refer to the Hearing Review website’s September 28, 2016 Commentary from ASHA President Jaynee Handelsman, PhD, CCC-A, and the October 14, 2016 Counterpoint from Brian Taylor, AuD, and Stephanie Czuhajewski, CAE. Source: Newsroom for Elizabeth Warren, US Senator for Massachusetts

Tag: Chuck Grassley

All

Senators Warren and Grassley Urge FDA to Initiate ‘Overdue Rules’ for ‘OTC Hearing Aid Act’

Senators Warren and Capito Introduce ‘Ally’s Act’ Legislation for Insurance Coverage of OIDs

Open Letter to OTC Hearing Device Regulators

Some Turbulent Seas Ahead…

OTC Hearing Aid Bill Moves Out of Committee; CTA Praises Legislation

OTC Hearing Aid Act Bundled with MDUFA; Expected to Pass through Committee

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 Introduced in Congress

All

Senators Warren, Grassley Introduce OTC Hearing Aid Act of 2016

All

Sorry, No Posts Found

Sorry, No Posts Found