FDA Makes Stunning Change to Availability of Hearing Aids
Hearing loss has been described as a, “critical public health issue,” by FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D..
“[It] affects the ability of millions of Americans to effectively communicate in their daily social interactions,” Califf added.
Hearing aids are about to become more accessible to the Americans who need them. The FDA finalized a new rule on Tuesday that would make hearing aids available without a prescription or medical exam.
Come mid-October, people will be able to purchase them at drugstores and online.
Not only is effective communication hindered as a result of hearing loss, but, “Brain scans show us that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain,” says Johns Hopkins expert Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D..
“Hearing loss also contributes to social isolation. You may not want to be with people as much, and when you are you may not engage in conversation as much. These factors may contribute to dementia.
As you walk, your ears pick up subtle cues that help with balance. Hearing loss mutes these important signals. It also makes your brain work harder just to process sound. This subconscious multitasking may interfere with some of the mental processing needed to walk safely,” Lin said.
Lin and his colleagues conducted a study that tracked 639 adults for about 12 years. They discovered that a mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia. A moderate loss triples that risk, and a severe hearing issue can cause people to be five times more likely to develop dementia.
All that being said, getting fitted for hearing aids isn’t covered by basic Medicaid, and typically isn’t covered by other insurance options. So the new rule has the potential to be a game changer for millions of Americans.
Trying to pay for a hearing aid out of pocket would be a strain on the finances of many Americans. Hearing aids range in cost from $1,000 to $6,000 per aid (yes, one for each ear). So only about a third of Americans who need hearing aids are able to afford them.
If there can be any consolation at all in having to pay that much for a necessary medical device, it might be in the fact that companies often sell hearing aids as part of a bundle that can include hearing tests, hearing aid fitting, needed adjustments, routine cleaning, and a warranty.
