Hearing specialists warn of dangers of new hearing aid bill
OTC
Hearing loss specialists across the United States are examining the changes that the new OTC bill will bring not only to their businesses, but also to their patients, reports Sentinel and Enterprise News, a daily newspaper published in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
Because of the often complex nature of hearing loss, which may in fact be caused by an underlying disease and not simply by changes in hearing abilities, experts are concerned that open access to hearing devices will leave many without proper quality care. This would be the opposite outcome from what the supporters of the bill are aiming to achieve, though they focus mainly on expanding availability and choice.
“I think of it like Wolfgang Puck having great restaurants but also selling microwavable food. Sure, you can do it yourself with the microwave, but it’s not at all going to be the same quality and service,” says Dr. Katie Harrington, and local audiologist. On the other hand, Harrington believes the bill may help provide hearing aids to more people, but the quality concern remains. In addition, “It could also be a way to get more people in to see us. I think the patients who want the best care will continue coming in here,” she adds.
Anthony Wasiuk, another local hearing aid specialist, is taking a wait-and-see approach. “I don’t think anyone’s really panicking. I do think people are concerned, and I don’t think anybody really knows what’s going to happen,” he told the newspaper. It is not yet clear how the processes of fitting, adjustment, cleaning and repairs will take place with OTC devices.
Source: Sentinel and Enterprise News
