History shows that market forces alone are not enough to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Legislation, regulations, and standards are necessary for programs, products and services to be accessible to and usable by people with hearing loss. Several laws have been passed to help eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability and to enhance accessibility to public places, work places, telecommunications, schools, government and businesses. HLAA, together with other consumer and professional organizations, works not only to pass legislation to improve the quality of life of people with hearing loss but also works to push for implementation and strong enforcement of the laws.

July 20, 2021

Categories: Advocacy News, Blog, Health Care, Hearing Aids, News, Newsroom

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 >

July 9, 2021

Categories: Advocacy News, Blog, FDA, Hearing Aids, Hearing Health, Hearing Loss, News, Newsroom, OTC

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 >

June 8, 2021

Categories: Accessibility, Advocacy News, FCC, HLAA, News, Newsroom, Telecommunications

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 >

May 3, 2021

Categories: Advocacy News, FCC

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 >

April 29, 2021

Categories: Advocacy News, Blog, COVID-19, News, Newsroom, Other

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 >

April 27, 2021

Categories: Advocacy News, Consumer, FCC, News, Newsroom

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 >

April 20, 2021

Categories: ADA, Advocacy News, Blog, COVID-19, Hearing Loss, Other

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 >

April 13, 2021

Categories: Advocacy News, chapters, Cochlear Implants, Hearing Loss, News, Newsroom

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 >

April 8, 2021

Categories: Advocacy News, Advocating, Consumer, FCC, News, Newsroom

FCC Announces New Outreach to Collect Consumer Broadband Availability Experiences

The Federal Communications Commission FCC recently announced an effort to collect consumers’ broadband experiences. The stories shared by consumers will help to inform the FCC’s broadband data collection efforts. “Far too many...The Federal Communications Commission FCC recently announced an effort to collect consumers’ broadband experiences. The stories shared by consumers will help to inform the FCC’s broadband data collection efforts. “Far too many Americans are left behind in access to jobs, education, and healthcare if they do not have access to broadband,” said Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. … Read More >

March 31, 2021

Categories: Accessibility, Advocacy News, FCC, Hearing Aids, News, Newsroom

FCC Releases Hearing Aid Compatibility Report and Order

On February 22, 2021, the FCC released a Report and Order to update the FCC’s wireless hearing aid compatibility requirements to ensure that the FCC’s rules reflect the latest technical...On February 22, 2021, the FCC released a Report and Order to update the FCC’s wireless hearing aid compatibility requirements to ensure that the FCC’s rules reflect the latest technical developments and standards, and to continue on the path to making 100% of wireless handsets hearing aid-compatible. The Commission adopted the 2019 ANSI Hearing Aid … Read More >