WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) have introduced the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation intended to improve access to hearing aids for eligible veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The proposed bill would authorize a two-year pilot program allowing the VA to evaluate the use of FDA-cleared over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, under VA oversight and clinical supervision.
Hearing loss is the most prevalent service-connected disability among U.S. veterans. While the VA remains one of the largest providers of professionally fit hearing aids in the country, many veterans face long wait times for audiology appointments, particularly in rural regions and high-demand facilities.
Addressing Access Challenges While Preserving Quality of Care
Supporters of the legislation say the pilot program is intended to supplement existing VA audiology services rather than replace them. The bill reflects broader concerns about access delays and care backlogs, especially for veterans whose hearing loss may not require complex amplification or immediate clinical intervention.
Hearing professionals have long emphasized that best outcomes are typically achieved when hearing aids are professionally evaluated, fit, and supported. At the same time, policymakers increasingly recognize the need for additional access pathways to ensure veterans are not left untreated while awaiting care.
Professionally fit hearing aids, paired with ongoing clinical care, remain the benchmark for high-quality hearing health services.
“Every veteran deserves to receive the benefits and care they earned in a timely manner,” Senator Blackburn said in a statement, citing prolonged wait times for hearing care in some VA facilities. Senator Schiff added that the legislation aims to broaden access while ensuring veterans receive appropriate health care benefits.
“I am proud to work with Senator Blackburn on legislation that will broaden veterans’ access to hearing aids, and ensure those who served our country have access to the health care benefits they deserve.”
–Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.)
Details of the Proposed Pilot Program
Under the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act, the VA Secretary would be required to select at least two VA medical facilities located in different Veterans Integrated Services Networks to participate in the pilot.
The legislation would also require the VA to submit an interim report after the first year and a final report to Congress at the conclusion of the pilot, evaluating clinical outcomes, effectiveness, and the fiscal impact of incorporating OTC hearing aids into VA hearing care pathways.
The pilot would focus on veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, the population for whom FDA-cleared OTC hearing aids are currently indicated.
Stakeholder Perspectives
The legislation has received support from several national organizations, including the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), the American Legion, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), and AARP.
HLAA noted that hearing loss and tinnitus remain the most common service-connected disabilities among veterans and said the proposal could help reduce barriers and empower veterans to take a more active role in managing their hearing health.
The American Legion described the bill as a pragmatic effort to modernize VA processes and reduce delays, while AARP emphasized the opportunity to generate data comparing outcomes between professionally fit prescription devices and self-guided OTC options.
“The demonstration project created by this bill will test the benefit of professional-fitted prescription hearing aids compared to self-guided over-the-counter hearing aids. Learnings from this two-year demonstration will help guide policy and coverage decisions so that more Americans can have access to affordable, high-quality hearing health care.”
–Megan O’Reilly, VP of Government Affairs, AARP
CTA highlighted the potential role of OTC innovation in expanding access and reducing costs, particularly for veterans who may otherwise wait months for care. “CTA has long championed policies that expand access to safe, effective OTC hearing aids, and this legislation builds on that commitment by cutting red tape, reducing costs, and delivering faster access to hearing care for veterans—while also saving taxpayer dollars,” commented Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA.
The full bill text is available through the U.S. Senate here
Source: Office of Sen. Adam Schiff
