Washington, D.C. – As someone who is hard of hearing, Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) knows firsthand how critical it is to have access to expert medical care and hearing aids. That’s why he and Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the bipartisan Help Extend Auditory Relief (HEAR) Act, which would expand Medicare coverage for hearing aids and related audiology services.

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 37.5 million American adults report some trouble hearing. Nearly one third of Americans between 65 to 74 years old have hearing loss, and the prevalence increases to almost half for those 75 years and older. It is crucial that older Americans have access to effective therapies as untreated hearing loss puts them at higher risk of developing dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. Despite the need, just 29% of Medicare beneficiaries with hearing loss utilize hearing aids.

Hearing aids are notoriously expensive with prescription devices ranging between $1,000 to $6,000 per pair. Yet traditional Medicare does not cover the cost for these essential devices, which is especially burdensome to older Americans on a fixed income.

If enacted, this bill would help millions of seniors access devices and services to improve their hearing health that they may otherwise struggle to afford.

“As someone with hearing loss, I cannot stress enough how important hearing aids are for hard of hearing individuals to conduct their day-to-day lives,” said Congressman Kevin Mullin (CA-15). “People with hearing loss are especially at risk of further health complications if they don’t have access to treatment and hearing aids. Medicare coverage for hearing aids is long overdue, and my bill will help ensure more seniors finally receive the support they need to live happier, healthier, and fuller lives.”

“For seniors across the Hudson Valley, hearing aids aren’t a convenience; they are essential medical devices that help people stay engaged, independent, and safe. By finally allowing Medicare to cover hearing aids and related services, the HEAR Act will remove a major barrier to care and strengthen the quality of life for many Americans. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to deliver real relief to our seniors and their families,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

Specifically, the HEAR Act would require Medicare to cover:

• Prescription hearing aids; and
• Hearing rehabilitation services, including audiology assessments, hearing aid fittings and related testing.

The HEAR Act is cosponsored by Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Mark Takano (CA-39), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Hank Johnson (GA-04) and is endorsed by the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of Elders (CARIE) and the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA).

Full text of the bill is available here.

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