Blackburn, Tuberville Support Expanding Veterans’ Access to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins expressing their support for expanding access to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for veterans. Hearing loss and tinnitus are among the most common service-connected disabilities among veterans, and providing access to OTC hearing aids would reduce costs for the VA health care system and improve quality of life for veterans.

Only a Fraction of Veterans with Hearing Loss Currently Seek Care Due to Complexity and Cost

"We write to express our strong support for expanding access to over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for our nation's Veterans that are impacted by mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and to highlight the potential benefits of such an initiative. It is estimated that nearly 30 million American adults suffer from some degree of hearing loss, with the Veteran population facing significant challenges in this regard due to their service-related exposure to high-intensity noise, such as gunfire, explosions, and machinery. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), hearing loss and tinnitus are the most prevalent service-connected disabilities among Veterans, with more than 2.7 million Veterans receiving compensation for hearing loss. Despite the high need for hearing solutions, only a fraction of those who could benefit from hearing aids seek intervention (much less early intervention), in part due to the complexity and cost of accessing traditional hearing aids through the VA."

Allowing Veterans to Access OTC Hearing Aids Would Improve Quality of Life for Veterans and Cut Long-Term Costs for the VA

"Allowing Veterans to access OTC hearing aids, particularly those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, could have significant benefits. Not only would it improve their quality of life by reducing the severity of cognitive decline, depression, and other health challenges commonly linked to hearing loss, but it would also provide substantial cost savings for the VA health care system, especially as untreated hearing loss has been shown to be associated with higher health care costs and utilization. Additionally, Veterans would benefit from devices that are available at a fraction of the cost of traditional prescription hearing aids, and the VA could redirect the savings to further support the wide array of services needed by our Veterans."

Congress Is Working on Legislation to Assess Fiscal Impact and Clinical Effectiveness of OTC Hearing Aids Within the VA

"Allowing Veterans to access these advanced, yet affordable, hearing solutions can address some of the current barriers in the system, such as long wait times for audiologist appointments and the limited availability of certain types of hearing aids, particularly as enrollment in the VA system continues to grow. Expanding access to these devices is a step toward ensuring our Veterans receive timely, high-quality care that aligns with the options available to civilians. To that end, Congress is working on legislation directing the VA to develop a demonstration program to assess the fiscal impact and clinical effectiveness of OTC hearing aids within the VA system, and we hope you will support our efforts to advance this proposal swiftly. As the VA works to modernize its approach to deliver timely care and improved outcomes for our Veterans, we look forward to partnering with you and your team to ensure that Veterans, regardless of their physical location, have access to high-quality hearing solutions that enhance their health and well-being, while also reducing the financial burden on the VA."

Click here to read the full letter.

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https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2025/9/veterans/blackburn-tuberville-support-expanding-veterans-access-to-over-the-counter-hearing-aids