West Palm Beach, FL – Today, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21) released the following statement announcing the availability of new, more affordable over-the-counter hearing aids hitting local and online pharmacies and stores this week. 

“Hearing loss can be isolating and dangerous, and it’s a common problem in the United States, especially among seniors,” said Rep. Frankel. “Thanks to legislation passed by Congress, and recent actions by the Biden Administration, individuals will now be able to purchase over-the-counter hearing aids from retail and drug stores starting today! This will help lower the costs of these devices, making them more accessible to everyone.”

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 29 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from hearing aid use, yet only 16 percent use them. Neither Medicare nor most private insurance cover the expense—which cost an average of $4,600. Thanks to this action, these devices will now be more accessible to those who need them.

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