Academy Urges Health and Human Services to Recognize Role of Audiologists with Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Devices

Today, Academy President Angela Shoup, PhD, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Health and Human Services (HHS), The Honorable Xavier Becerra, to express the Academy’s concerns about the Administration’s oversimplification of hearing loss and treatment in the advancement of over-the-counter (OTC) devices, as reflected in President Biden’s recent Executive Order and accompanying fact sheet.

Dr. Shoup’s response offers additional insights into the complexity of hearing loss and the importance of a comprehensive hearing assessment conducted by an audiologist to determine the reason for the hearing loss and appropriate treatment options. As she notes in her letter,

“The Academy urges the HHS to recognize the critical role of the audiologist in helping consumers to navigate the various options and determine the type of device that would be most appropriate to treat their diagnosed degree of hearing loss.”

The Academy will reach out to HHS staff in follow up to the letter to Secretary Becerra for further advocacy on behalf of audiologists. Additionally, the Academy is preparing for the release of the OTC hearing aid proposed regulations and will respond as needed to represent your interests and the patients you serve.

Want to join the effort to advocate for audiologists?

Get involved by reaching out to members of Congress requesting their support of the Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act (H.R. 1587/S. 1731).

Advancing the provisions of this legislation remains critical to achieving recognition of the expertise of audiologists and their critical role for optimal patient outcomes in hearing and balance care.

Reach out to your policymakers to advocate for modernization of Medicare policy relative to audiologists. Visit the Academy Legislative Action Center and send your messages!

Stay tuned for additional opportunities to get involved and take action in the critical advocacy initiative.