GSA Policy Profile: Impact of the New FDA Regulation on Hearing Aids for Older Adults

Research shows the impact of poor hearing and hearing loss on older adults – such as poor daily communication, cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation. We know that all too often the high cost of hearing aids, which have not been covered by Medicare, discouraged millions of Americans from buying the devices. In fact, it is estimated that only about one-fifth of Americans with hearing loss get help. New FDA regulation that takes effect in October 2022 provides for hearing aids to be sold over the counter without a prescription. This episode provides an overview of this new regulation and its potential for positive impact on the lives of older adults.

Guest: Frank Lin, MD, PhD—Director, Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Host: Patricia M. "Trish" D'Antonio, BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP—Vice President, Policy and Professional Affairs, The Gerontological Society of America.

This podcast episode is supported by the GSA Innovation Fund.