Grassley, Blackburn, Schiff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Care for Veterans with Hearing Loss

Grassley, Blackburn, Schiff Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Care for Veterans with Hearing Loss

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in introducing the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act to improve access to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for eligible veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

"Hearing loss limits a person's ability to participate in conversations, work productively and even travel safely. That's why I helped spearhead the effort to enact the bipartisan Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act that enhances access to high-quality, effective hearing aids. However, the millions of Americans who suffer from hearing loss, including veterans, need better access to hearing care. Our bill will help cut red tape so more veterans can access hearing aids," Grassley said.

"Every veteran deserves to receive the benefits and care they earned in a timely manner. Unfortunately, we know that veterans experiencing hearing loss often face long wait times when attempting to access the care they need, especially in rural and high-demand areas. Our bipartisan Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act would position the VA to more efficiently serve the 400,000 veterans who call Tennessee home without compromising the quality of care they receive," Blackburn said.

"Our servicemembers have made many sacrifices to protect Americans and our country. I am proud to work with Senator Blackburn on legislation that will broaden veterans' access to hearing aids and ensure those who served our country have access to the health care benefits they deserve," Schiff said.

The Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act would establish a two-year pilot program to evaluate the use of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved OTC hearing aids for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, subject to clinical supervision and VA oversight. In addition, the bill would:

• Require the VA Secretary to select at least two VA medical facilities in different Veterans Integrated Services Networks to conduct the pilot; and

• Require an interim report after the first year and a final report to Congress evaluating the program's findings, effectiveness and fiscal impact of the program on the VA.

This legislation is supported by the Hearing Loss Association of America, American Legion, Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Find bill text HERE.

Background:

Grassley has led the effort to streamline access to high-quality, effective hearing aids. In 2017, Congress passed the FDA Reauthorization Act, which included Grassley's and Sen. Elizabeth Warren's (D-Mass.) Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act requiring the FDA to make hearing aids available for over-the-counter purchase.

Hearing loss is the most prevalent service-connected disability among American veterans. While FDA-cleared OTC hearing aids are intended to expand access to hearing care options, many veterans experience long wait times for audiology appointments, particularly in rural or high-demand areas.

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