FDA Releases Proposed Rules for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

“HLAA is pleased to see the proposed rules on over-the-counter hearing aids released today by the FDA. This is one step closer to seeing OTC hearing devices on the market...“HLAA is pleased to see the proposed rules on over-the-counter hearing aids released today by the FDA. This is one step closer to seeing OTC hearing devices on the market for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. We hope that many adults who qualify for these devices are encouraged to take that important step … Read More >

Action Alert: Medicare Coverage of Hearing Aids–Congress Needs to Hear from You!

  Let Congress Hear from You! HLAA has been meeting with members of Congress, encouraging them to vote YES! to expand Medicare to include hearing aids and services. New legislation...  Let Congress Hear from You! HLAA has been meeting with members of Congress, encouraging them to vote YES! to expand Medicare to include hearing aids and services. New legislation is coming up soon that we hope will include a provision for hearing health care under Medicare. That would mean for the first time, people … Read More >

Action Alert: Medicare Coverage of Hearing Aids

You may be aware that there is a movement afoot to expand Medicare to include hearing health care. That would mean for the first time, people who rely on Medicare...You may be aware that there is a movement afoot to expand Medicare to include hearing health care. That would mean for the first time, people who rely on Medicare to pay their medical bills would also be able to turn to Medicare to cover the cost of hearing aids and related services. The time … Read More >

President Biden Directs HHS to Consider Issuing Proposed Rules within 120 Days for Allowing Hearing Aids to be Sold Over the Counter

Today, U.S. President Biden issued an executive order that directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consider issuing proposed rules within 120 days for allowing hearing...Today, U.S. President Biden issued an executive order that directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consider issuing proposed rules within 120 days for allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter. HLAA applauds the Biden Administration for taking action on this important matter. Since the passage of the Over-the-Counter … Read More >

HLAA Joins Consumers Commenting on FCC Rules

HLAA signed onto comments drafted in concert with TDI (Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) and other Accessibility Advocacy Organizations and Research Organizations that were filed with the...HLAA signed onto comments drafted in concert with TDI (Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) and other Accessibility Advocacy Organizations and Research Organizations that were filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) June 7, 2021. Those comments were drafted in response to the FCC’s Public Notice to update the 21st Century Video and … Read More >

Do You–or Someone You Know–Need Access to Discounted Broadband Services?

If you—or someone you know—have experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 with a total household income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and...If you—or someone you know—have experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 with a total household income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers or if you otherwise qualify for this Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program, you may be eligible for a discount on Broadband … Read More >

New Legal Guidance and Resources to Ensure—and Expand—Access to COVID-19 Vaccines for People with Disabilities and Older Adults

As part of a shared commitment to President Biden’s National Strategy and Executive Order to ensure an equitable COVID-19 response, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and...As part of a shared commitment to President Biden’s National Strategy and Executive Order to ensure an equitable COVID-19 response, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have published several new … Read More >

Emergency Broadband Benefit Webinar for Consumers and Outreach Partners

On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will host a public webinar to provide information on the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). EBB...On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will host a public webinar to provide information on the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). EBB is a temporary program that provides a discount of up to $50 per month ($75 on Tribal lands) off a qualifying household’s internet bill. For … Read More >

The Americans with Disabilities Act Obligations Regarding COVID-19 Related Services

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced on April 16 that it will be providing a Dear Colleague Letter reminding community partners that are involved in...The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced on April 16 that it will be providing a Dear Colleague Letter reminding community partners that are involved in the COVID-19 pandemic response that the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) applies to their services. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe and distressing impact … Read More >

The Sound of Misinformation

By Lise Hamlin Lise Hamlin is the director of public policy at the Hearing Loss Association of America. She can be reached at lhamlin@hearingloss.org.  The Academy of Motion Picture Arts...By Lise Hamlin Lise Hamlin is the director of public policy at the Hearing Loss Association of America. She can be reached at lhamlin@hearingloss.org.  The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences brings on their Oscar Awards April 25, 2021. “Sound Of Metal,” has been nominated for six awards: Best Picture, Best Actor (Riz Ahmed), … Read More >