Help the Hearing Impaired By Covering the Cost of Hearing Aids

If you or someone you know suffers from a hearing impediment, you can understand the hardships faced by those who have difficulty detecting and understanding sounds. From affecting a person’s day-to-day activities to causing serious language development issues, hearing problems can dramatically impinge on a person’s quality of life. Many of us cannot even begin to understand the frustration and difficulties those with hearing impediments experience.

Hearing problems are common among Michigan citizens as roughly one in six individuals suffers from some sort of hearing impairment, and this number will only increase as baby boomers age. Although hearing problems are more common among senior citizens, where hearing loss is the third most prevalent disabling condition, they can occur at any age. In fact, approximately thirty-three infants are born with hearing impediments every day in the U.S., making hearing loss the number one birth defect in America.

There is assistance for those who suffer from hearing loss, however screening for, diagnosing and treating hearing problems comes with high costs. With the average cost of hearing aids well over $1,000 alone it is no wonder many individuals are unable to afford these necessary devices.

To address the high costs associated with hearing impediments, I’ve recently introduced legislation to provide insurance coverage to help cover these costs. Senate Bills 1447 and 1448 will ensure all health care organizations in Michigan provide coverage for individuals who are certified as deaf or severely hearing impaired by a licensed physician or audiologist.

This coverage can help those who are even the hardest of hearing afford a screening, diagnosis and a quality hearing aid. As technology is constantly evolving and becoming increasingly advanced, hearing aids now provide users high-quality sound, greater mobility, and an improved lifestyle.

In addition to hearing aids, this coverage can also help caregivers afford the proper screening and diagnosis for children who may be hearing impaired. Early detection is crucial towards preventing permanent hearing loss and considering children can greatly benefit from early intervention, it is my belief that we should help cover these costs.

With more than a million Michigan citizens experiencing hearing problems, this legislation is vital towards keeping the costs of health care down at a time when our state is struggling the most. Learning to live with a hearing loss can be extremely difficult, but through my bills, hearing loss treatment can be an affordable option for all individuals.