House Energy and Commerce Committee helps pave way toward OTC hearing aids

WASHINGTON — The House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday helped pave the way forward toward a non-prescription hearing aid category by incorporating amendments specifically addresssing the new OTC category to the FDA Reauthorization Act (FDARA) of 2017, which will re-up FDA's user fee programs.



"Getting over the counter hearing aids on the same shelf as over-the-counter eyeglasses would be a major win for consumers with mild-to-moderate hearing loss," stated Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association. "The high cost of hearing aids [and] the inconvenience and the cost of doctor appointments means nearly half of online U.S. adults – 98 million Americans – have some degree of hearing loss and don't get the hearing assistance they need.  We urge expeditious consideration of these bills on the House and Senate floor.



While both hearing aids and non-prescription devices can improve hearing, a pair of hearing aids can range in price from $1,000 to $6,000. In comparison, non-prescription devices such as personal sound amplification products are one-tenth that cost, ranging from $100 to $600.



“The over-the-counter provision will change lives for the better by directing the FDA to create a new regulatory class of hearing aids that could be sold over the counter," Shaprio said. "This new regulatory class will address the needs of adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, a population that desperately warrants attention.”