Senators Advocate for Expanded Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids for Veterans

U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) are taking decisive action to support the health and well-being of America's veterans by urging the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand access to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. In a recent letter addressed to VA Secretary Doug Collins, the senators highlighted the significant prevalence of hearing loss and tinnitus among veterans and advocated for solutions that would not only improve veterans' quality of life but also reduce financial pressures on the VA health care system.

The Challenge: Prevalence of Hearing Loss Among Veterans

Hearing loss and tinnitus are among the most common service-connected disabilities affecting veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 2.7 million veterans currently receive compensation for hearing loss, and nearly 30 million American adults overall are impacted by these conditions. Veterans often face these issues due to service-related exposure to high-intensity noise, including gunfire, explosions, and heavy machinery.

Despite the widespread need, only a small portion of those who could benefit from hearing aids actively seek intervention, particularly early intervention. The reasons are manifold, with cost and the complexity of accessing traditional hearing aids through the VA system acting as significant barriers.

The Promise of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

The landscape began to shift in 2017 with the signing of the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, part of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Reauthorization Act under President Trump. The Act aimed to increase accessibility and reduce the cost of hearing aids for adults experiencing mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Final rules issued by the FDA in 2022 cemented OTC hearing aids as a viable, affordable alternative for many Americans.

However, a critical gap remains: veterans currently cannot access these OTC hearing aids through the VA, as outlined in Veterans Health Administration Directive 1034. This restriction means that, unlike their civilian counterparts, veterans must still navigate the traditional, often cumbersome process to obtain hearing assistance.

Potential Benefits and Cost Savings

Senators Tuberville and Blackburn emphasized that expanding access to OTC hearing aids could offer substantial benefits for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Not only could these devices dramatically improve quality of life-helping to reduce the risks of cognitive decline, depression, and other health challenges associated with untreated hearing loss-they could also lead to meaningful cost savings for the VA health care system.

OTC hearing aids are available at a fraction of the cost of traditional prescription devices. By providing these more affordable solutions, the VA could reallocate resources to support a broader spectrum of services for veterans. Furthermore, easier access could help address current system barriers such as long wait times for audiologist appointments and the limited availability of certain types of hearing aids.

Legislative Efforts and Next Steps

Recognizing the potential, Congress is now considering legislation that would direct the VA to develop a demonstration program. This initiative would assess the fiscal impact and clinical effectiveness of integrating OTC hearing aids into the VA system. Senators Tuberville and Blackburn are hopeful that Secretary Collins and the VA will join them in advancing this proposal swiftly.

The senators also underscored the importance of ensuring that all veterans-regardless of their physical location-have timely access to high-quality hearing solutions. Modernizing the VA's approach could lead to improved health outcomes and further reduce the financial burden on the system.

A Commitment to Veteran Well-Being

As the VA continues its efforts to deliver timely, effective care, the collaborative approach championed by Senators Tuberville and Blackburn signals a promising step toward addressing the hearing health needs of the nation's heroes. Their advocacy reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits and support they have earned through their service-improving lives, reducing costs, and honoring their sacrifices.