The action would make the industry more like eye care.
The Food and Drug Administration has finalized a rule that will allow select hearing aids to be sold at stores or online without a prescription or a medical exam. The over-the-counter purchases at local pharmacies or drugstores will result in lower costs to the consumer.
“For many Americans who suffer from hearing loss, safe and effective and high-quality hearing aids have been unaffordable. Hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars per pair and they’re not always covered by insurance,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Americans who need help with their hearing aids, and that includes my mom, help is on the way.”
The FDA estimates that 30 million people in the U.S. suffer from hearing loss, and fewer than one-fifth who could benefit from a hearing aid seek intervention.
Legislators and others have promoted the over-the-counter availability of hearing aids for a long time. Securing the products would look like the eye care industry, in which consumers have choices to purchase reading glasses and bifocals through their doctor’s offices or elsewhere.
Hearing aids could become available as soon as October when the rule takes effect.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For FDA officials as they seek to make hearing aids more affordable and accessible to a greater number of Americans.
- For members of Congress as they promote medical cost-reducing measures and legislation.
- For Secretary Becerra to seek God’s guidance as he oversees the federal health department and its agencies.
Sources: Axios, Washington Examiner
