In the News

REPS. CARTWRIGHT, LAWLER RE-INTRODUCE BILL TO EXPAND MEDICARE TO COVER HEARING BENEFITS

LuLac Political

Washington, April 25, 2024

Tags: Inclusive & Comprehensive Health Care , Strengthening Social Security , Local Issues , Working Across the Aisle

Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) and Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) re-introduced the Help Extend Auditory Relief (HEAR) Act to expand hearing benefits for seniors on Medicare.

Approximately 15 percent of American adults (41 million) report some degree of hearing loss, according to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). This includes nearly one-third of individuals aged 65-74 and nearly half of those over 75.

Left untreated, hearing loss can dramatically impact the health and wellbeing of older adults. Research indicates that older adults with hearing loss experience a faster decline in cognitive abilities and have a greater risk of developing dementia compared to older adults with normal hearing. Hearing loss can also increase social isolation and loneliness and has even been linked to an increased risk for falls, among seniors.