New Hearing Aid Coverage and Class Action Lawsuit in Washington State Could Spark Wider Changes

Law mandating coverage rolls out with Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) help amid anti-discrimination settlement that could guide other states There’s good news for residents of Washington state who...Law mandating coverage rolls out with Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) help amid anti-discrimination settlement that could guide other states There’s good news for residents of Washington state who wear hearing aids—a new law now requires some large group health plans to cover the cost of hearing aids and services. And some Kaiser Foundation … Read More >

The Connection Between Heart Health and Hearing Health

By Archelle Georgiou, M.D., Chief Health Officer, Starkey This is a sponsored blog post from HLAA Hear for Life Partner, Starkey. Does it surprise you that neglecting your cardiovascular health...By Archelle Georgiou, M.D., Chief Health Officer, Starkey This is a sponsored blog post from HLAA Hear for Life Partner, Starkey. Does it surprise you that neglecting your cardiovascular health could spell trouble for your hearing? Starkey Chief Health Officer Archelle Georgiou, M.D., offers insights on this important connection and how to stay healthy. Normal blood … Read More >

Hearing Loss and Mental Health: The Surprising Connection

Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO, Starkey May is not only Better Hearing and Speech Month, but it’s also Mental Health Awareness Month. While it’s no surprise with so many worthy...Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO, Starkey May is not only Better Hearing and Speech Month, but it’s also Mental Health Awareness Month. While it’s no surprise with so many worthy causes that there would be some overlap, this one in particular feels like more than just a coincidence. Better Hearing and Speech Month raises awareness … Read More >

Clinical Trials of Potential New Therapies for Hearing Loss are Out There. Here’s How to Find Them

Julie Uphoff, Senior Manager of Clinical Operations, Frequency Therapeutics Clinical trials play a critical role in bringing new medicines to people who may benefit from them. With hearing loss, clinical...Julie Uphoff, Senior Manager of Clinical Operations, Frequency Therapeutics Clinical trials play a critical role in bringing new medicines to people who may benefit from them. With hearing loss, clinical trials of therapeutics are a very recent development – only in the last few years have we been testing potential medicines (not devices) to restore … Read More >

HLAA Promotes Consumer Protection in Comments for New Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Rule

HLAA 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...HLAA 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.  HLAA and organizations that signed onto these comments recommended … Read More >

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

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 >

Rules are Long Overdue

Lise Hamlin Director of Public Policy Hearing Loss Association of America President Joe Biden Issues Directive for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids By Lise Hamlin President Joe Biden signed a sweeping Executive...Lise Hamlin Director of Public Policy Hearing Loss Association of America President Joe Biden Issues Directive for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids By Lise Hamlin President Joe Biden signed a sweeping Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy | The White House on July 9, 2021. According to The Washington Post: “The executive order — … Read More >

World Hearing Forum Call for Changemakers’ Stories

Your real-life experiences and personal stories can inspire and influence others to improve the world for people who are deaf or have hearing loss. They can also encourage action to...Your real-life experiences and personal stories can inspire and influence others to improve the world for people who are deaf or have hearing loss. They can also encourage action to support implementation of the WHO’s World Report on Hearing. Individuals, families and organizations are encouraged to submit their stories and if chosen, will be used … Read More >

HLAA Files Comments with USPSTF on Hearing Screening

Created in 1984, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. The Task Force works to improve the health...Created in 1984, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine. The Task Force works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medications. All recommendations are published on the … Read More >