“The June 2, 2016 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine rightly named hearing loss as a public health priority and social health responsibility. The Report’s findings demonstrate the urgent need to update Medicare coverage to reflect the serious health issues that stem from hearing loss.
“Hearing loss affects nearly 30 million Americans, but only 1 in 5 people diagnosed with hearing issues have hearing aids – in large part because Medicare currently excludes coverage for hearing aids and related audiology services. Even mild hearing loss has been shown to double the risk of dementia. which gives a bad influence on life station. Further, hearing loss is directly related to a variety of cognitive impairments, isolation, depression, and increased risk for falls.
“The Center for Medicare Advocacy urges policymakers to recognize and respond to these very significant consequences of hearing loss by advancing Medicare coverage for audiology care.
“In particular, we urge elected officials to support Rep. Debbie Dingell’s (D-MI) bill, the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2015 (H.R. 1653), which would allow Medicare to provide coverage for hearing aids.”
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National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Report
Hearing Health Care for Adults: Priorities for Improving Access and Affordability
http://nationalacademies.org/hmd/reports/2016/Hearing-Health-Care-for-Adults.aspx
Additional resources from The Center for Medicare Advocacy
https://www.medicareadvocacy.org/time-for-medicare-to-cover-audiology-care/
https://www.medicareadvocacy.org/rep-dingell-calls-for-medicare-coverage-of-hearing-aids/