Hearing loss is common among older adults. Almost 50 million Americans have some hearing loss. The Hearing Loss Association of America estimated 1 in 5 people who would benefit from a hearing aid are currently using one, and people wait an average of seven years while experiencing hearing loss before they seek treatment.
These statistics show there are plenty of opportunities to help older Americans obtain hearing aids. But there are barriers to entry for many with high costs of hearing aids and wait times with doctors’ appointments.
Read on to learn more about proposed law changes and how to help your clients with their hearing aid services, then contact us at American Senior Benefits to learn more.
Many Americans Need Help With Hearing Aids
There are several challenges for older Americans with hearing loss. These issues make it more difficult for some people to access hearing health care and to obtain hearing aids and follow-up exams. All of the steps involved make it more challenging for some people to get hearing aids:
- Patients need to have a hearing exam.
- The doctor writes the prescription for hearing aids.
- The patient visits an audiologist to be fitted for hearing aids.
- The patient purchases their hearing aids.
- The patient awaits their hearing aids.
- The audiologist tunes up the hearing aids.
All of these appointments, co-pays, and wait times create hassles for many patients. Some patients cannot afford these expenses, and others do not have time to follow these steps. An over-the-counter hearing aid option will allow millions of people to purchase hearing aids and improve their quality of life. And you can be there as their agent to help them along the way.
Possible Changes Brings New Over-the-Counter Hearing Options
There is good news for older Americans with minor to moderate hearing loss. The FDA has proposed a new rule allowing the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids. Once the new law is implemented, patients could avoid a medical exam and fitting by an audiologist.
Anyone could purchase hearing aids over-the-counter in retail stores or online. Many costs would be eliminated, like the co-pays for the doctor to write the prescription and the audiologist to fit the hearing aids. It would also save time. Patients would no longer need to wait for appointments at these various doctors. Instead, they could immediately access hearing aids when it is convenient for them.
This proposal is part of the government’s push to expand access to high quality medical care while lowering the costs of medical care. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to these goals, and this is one step in their plan.
With the new law, patients would have landmark access to hearing aids. The new law would increase availability of health care services for millions of Americans. This is great news for Americans!
How To Help Customers With Hearing Aid Challenges
If you have current or potential customers with hearing challenges, this new law will be beneficial. If the FDA establishes a new over-the-counter hearing aid option, it will open the doors for millions of people who are suffering from hearing loss without remedy right now — and you can be there to help them as their agent.
Spend time now talking with your customers — and with potential customers — about their hearing loss and hearing aid needs. Consider sending an email to educate people about the possible upcoming law changes and to offer help with hearing aid purchases. Your clients and potential clients may not yet know about the upcoming proposed law changes, which gives you the chance to teach them.
How Do I Learn More?
To learn more about proposed hearing aid law changes, contact the experts at American Senior Benefits. Our affiliated experts will be happy to answer any questions you have.
