Ask Congress to Listen Up

Thirty-two million Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss, roughly one out of every ten.  But few obtain the amplification they need to help their condition.

A large reason for this is the stigma that has been attached to hearing aids, the outdated concept that only the old and the infirm would ever consider using them.  For instance, in countries where hearing aids are routinely covered by insurance, the percentage of hearing impaired individuals using amplification is not that much different than in America.

As hearing aids continue to make great strides in both appearance and effectiveness, this stigma will most likely fade away.  But one issue that will remain will be the cost of hearing aids.  As of 2004, the average cost of a device was over $1,700.

But, help could be on the way.  The U.S. Senate's Finance Committee and the House of Representatives' Ways and Means Committee are considering a set of bills called the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit.  If enacted, the tax code would allow tax credits for individuals or families $500 every five years to purchase hearing aids.

Unfortunately, similar versions of these bills have expired in Congress in the past with little or no attention given to them.  Unless more attention is paid to the current versions, they will likely experience the same fate.

I would encourage you to make your voice heard on this important issue and contact your senators and representatives.  If you're not sure how to do so, visit Congress.org and use the search box on the top left sidebar to get the contact information for your elected officials.  Send them a message and encourage them to consider this important legislation.

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As you may have noticed, in the top of the right-hand sidebar on this site now features a tracking widget for this legislation.  Check back to watch the the bills' progress.