S. 3739: Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026

This bill is known as the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026. Its primary objective is to establish a demonstration project to evaluate the potential impact of covering over-the-counter hearing aids for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Here are the main components:

Demonstration Project

• The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will start a project within one year of the bill's passage to assess the fiscal consequences of including FDA-cleared over-the-counter hearing aids in the services covered by the VA, similarly to how prescription hearing aids are currently covered.
• This demonstration project will last for two years.

Eligibility for Participation

Veterans can participate in the demonstration project if they meet the following criteria:

1. They are enrolled in the VA’s annual patient enrollment system.
2. An audiologist has determined that they require an over-the-counter hearing aid for mild-to-moderate hearing loss and that they do not have any conditions that would prevent the safe use of such devices.
3. They have access to a mobile phone or similar technology needed to operate the hearing aid.

Locations for the Project

• The demonstration will be conducted at a minimum of two VA medical facilities that have been selected for their ability to serve diverse veteran populations, including those in rural and urban areas.

Design of the Project

The project will be designed to compare the effectiveness of FDA-cleared over-the-counter hearing aids with prescription hearing aids that are professionally fitted by audiologists. The VA will assess both the effectiveness and the financial implications of providing permanent coverage for over-the-counter hearing aids.

Measurement of Benefits

The project will include measuring both self-reported benefits from the veterans participating and their ability to recognize speech in noisy environments. This evaluation will be aimed at understanding the long-term impact of providing coverage for over-the-counter hearing aids.

Consultation and Reporting

During the project, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs will consult with organizations that advocate for consumers with hearing loss. Additionally, they must submit:

• An interim report detailing initial findings within one year of the project's commencement.
• A final report, which must be submitted within 180 days after the project ends, that evaluates the fiscal impact of covering over-the-counter hearing aids and may include recommendations for future policies.

Study by the Comptroller General

In conjunction with the demonstration project, the Comptroller General of the United States will undertake a study focusing on veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, analyzing their access to hearing aids and related medical coverage. This study will aim to:

• Assess the number of veterans needing assistive devices.
• Review the effectiveness of current medical coverage for these devices.
• Provide recommendations for potential program improvements to meet veterans' needs.

Definition of FDA-Cleared, Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

The bill defines these devices as:

• Cleared by the FDA.
• Subject to FDA regulation under specified federal laws.
• Equipped with technology that enables personalization through tools like hearing tests and software applications.

Relevant Companies

• HSIC - Henry Schein Inc.: As a supplier of healthcare products, including hearing aids, this company could see changes in demand based on the outcomes of the demonstration and subsequent coverage decisions for over-the-counter options.
• SONO - Sonova Holding AG: A manufacturer of hearing aids that could potentially be impacted if the VA chooses to include over-the-counter models in their coverage plans.
• DEO - Demant A/S: This company offers hearing aids and solutions, which may be affected by shifts in market demand should the VA implement new policies based on the project findings.