The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), on today’s House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing, Examining Improvements to the Regulation of Medical Technologies:
 
“Today’s hearing sheds light on the fact that millions of Americans could benefit from over-the-counter hearing devices such as Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs), but can’t due to regulatory burdens that limit the sale of such devices. As our nation looks for creative ways to make healthcare more affordable for all Americans, Congress should support the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act. This bill would enable consumers with mild to moderate hearing loss to get the assistance they deserve at a reasonable price.
 
“We applaud Reps. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Joe Kennedy (D-MA) for introducing this important legislation. The high cost of hearing aids, combined with the inconvenience and cost of doctor appointments, deters many adults from getting the assistance they need. PSAPs offer an inexpensive, effective alternative for the millions of Americans living with mild hearing loss. It’s time for Congress to champion this emerging technology – PSAPs will not only improve consumers’ lives but will bring robust competition and innovation to the market.”
 
Nearly 70 percent of Americans with hearing deficiency say the high cost of traditional hearing aids is a significant barrier for seeking help, according to CTA's Personal Sound Amplification Products: a Study of Consumer Attitudes and Behavior. Most traditional hearing aids cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 – a price tag that many Americans in need of hearing assistance simply cannot afford. In contrast, non-prescription devices such as PSAPs are one-tenth the cost, ranging in price from $100 to $600.
 
 To view CTA's letter of support, click here.