Bill Overview
Title: Delivering Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Now Act
Description: This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration to issue a final rule within 30 days of the bill's enactment that allows for over-the-counter hearing aids.
Sponsors: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals with hearing loss
Estimated Size: 38000000
- Hearing loss affects a significant portion of the global population, particularly among older adults.
- The World Health Organization estimates that over 1.5 billion people globally live with hearing loss, and this number is expected to increase.
- Accessibility to affordable hearing aids can greatly impact the quality of life and communication abilities for those with hearing impairments.
Reasoning
- Considering the budget constraints, the policy must benefit a significant proportion of the US population with hearing loss, approximately 38 million people. This policy aims to reduce the cost barrier, allowing more individuals with hearing difficulties to access aids.
- The policy could significantly impact older adults, who make up the majority of those with hearing impairments and are often on fixed incomes.
- It is reasonable that the maximum budget would support a discounted provision of these devices to individuals, leading to improved communication capabilities and potentially better social outcomes.
Simulated Interviews
Retired engineer (Florida)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's been hard to keep up with conversations in group settings.
- The cost of hearing aids has been a major barrier for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Teacher (New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Over-the-counter hearing aids could be more affordable and easily accessible.
- I hope the effectiveness matches current prescription models.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Freelance writer (California)
Age: 55 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could make a big difference in inclusivity and access.
- I hope it addresses both cost and stigma related to using these aids.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Customer Service Representative (Texas)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've considered hearing aids before, but the cost was too high.
- I’m optimistic this will make them more affordable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Factory worker (Ohio)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If these aids are effective, they could really change my life.
- I worry about whether they will be as good as expensive ones.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Software Developer (Illinois)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the innovation in making healthcare more accessible.
- As someone in the tech field, I'm keen on whether these aids will have smart features.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired (Arizona)
Age: 75 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's very isolating not being able to hear well.
- I'm excited about the possibility of more hearing aid options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Healthcare worker (Washington)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to ensure these aids are effective for work environments.
- Anything to aid communication can be a huge help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Stay-at-home parent (Colorado)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My family budget doesn't allow for high healthcare costs.
- Hopefully, this policy would help people like me access better aids.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired nurse (Pennsylvania)
Age: 80 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’ve always wanted hearing aids but couldn’t justify the cost on fixed income.
- This could make a world of difference in my daily life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $2000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $3000000)
Year 5: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Year 10: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Year 100: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $1500000)
Key Considerations
- The initial regulatory costs are low compared to the expected long-term savings and benefits.
- Increased competition in the hearing aid market is likely to drive down prices, benefiting consumers.
- There could be resistance from existing hearing aid providers who might be concerned about the reduction in prescription-based sales.