The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), regarding the Senate's passage of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, which includes the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act: 

"We applaud the Senate for passing the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, and extend our profound gratitude to Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) for introducing and fighting for this much-needed legislation."

"Thanks to bipartisan support on this issue, millions of Americans will improve their quality of life with little impact on their pocketbook. Until now, nearly half of online U.S. adults-98 million Americans-with hearing loss have been unable to access adequate hearing assistance due to prohibitively high hearing aid costs as well as the inconvenience and financial burden of doctors appointments. This legislation will create a new class of over-the-counter hearing aids costing roughly one-tenth the price of traditional hearing aids, making it easier for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss to afford the hearing assistance that they need."

"We look forward to President Trump signing this legislation into law."