Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Senate President Pro Tempore
“Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act”
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
October is National Audiology Awareness Month.
It also happens to be the three-year anniversary of the bipartisan Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act regulations going into effect.
You see this on television now, advertisements for over-the-counter hearing aid[s]. Before this legislation was passed, there was a whole bunch of red tape you had to go through to buy very expensive hearing aids. Now, they’re more affordable.
Now, while it took too many years for the Food and Drug Administration to issue these regulations three years ago, it followed my bipartisan 2017 law. I’m glad Americans now have access to safe, effective and affordable hearing aids over the counter.
While we’ve known for years that hearing loss is a major factor in a person getting dementia, it wasn’t until recently that we found out that accessing hearing aids can decrease the risk of cognitive decline by nearly half.
For many, purchasing hearing aids presents many questions. That’s why accessing audiology services can be helpful.
To access audiology services, like a diagnostic test under Medicare, a physician's order is required.
That requires more time and a great number of hoops to jump through. I want people to know that I support cutting this unnecessary red tape.
That’s why I’ve partnered with my colleagues to introduce legislation called the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act.
Our bill will let seniors access a full range of hearing health services provided by a licensed audiologist without the red tape.
During Audiology Awareness Month, Americans should be aware that they can access hearing aids over the counter, and Congress is working hard to improve access to those audiology services.
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