LIVONIA, MI – July 2, 2015 – On June 24, the International Hearing Society (IHS) teamed up with Miracle-Ear to visit more than 100 congressional offices in support of IHS’ Fit to Serve campaign and related bi-partisan federal legislation, H.R. 353/S. 564, which seeks to improve veterans’ access to critical hearing healthcare services. The legislation, if adopted, would achieve that goal by adding hearing aid specialists to the audiologist-led Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hearing healthcare team, and hold the VA more accountable for addressing long wait times and distances to travel to VA facilities.
Participants – primarily licensed hearing aid specialists – shared with their Congressional offices the challenges local veterans are having in accessing hearing aids and related services through the VA, citing wait times for appointments that can span as long as a year in some areas, and the extensive time that many veterans must travel in order to get to a VA facility that offers audiology services – a serious difficulty for those Veterans who cannot travel due to medical or other mobility issues. They also cited the implications of untreated hearing loss, such as loss of income or challenges obtaining employment as well as depression, anxiety and isolation, which, in the Veteran population, can further exacerbate other medical and psychological issues that are a result of service.
Through the day, Hill-goers met with staff and even several Members of Congress to seek co-sponsorship and support. Miracle-Ear Senior Vice President Vera Peterson said “Miracle-Ear was founded by Kenneth Dahlberg who was a veteran of WWII. The Miracle-Ear system is proud to advocate for the hearing health of our nation’s veterans and make a difference in collaboration with the International Hearing Society.” Also in attendance was IHS President and Miracle-Ear Franchisee Scott Beall, AuD, ACA, who kicked off the day by providing an inspired welcome to “Day on the Hill” participants before heading to the Hill himself to meet with his Congressional offices. “We are thrilled with Miracle-Ear’s support of Fit to Serve,” said Beall. “IHS and our members stand ready to help relieve the backlog for hearing aid services at the VA. We’re grateful for the support of Congress in this important initiative to help our veterans.”
Founded by the International Hearing Society, “Fit To Serve” is a campaign dedicated to improving the hearing healthcare system for America’s veterans. Our goal is to ensure timely access to high quality hearing health care for all veterans. We are committed to serving the veterans who have served all of us. Learn more by visiting www.fittoserve.us or www.facebook.com/ihsfittoserve.
About the International Hearing Society
The International Hearing Society (IHS) is a membership association that represents hearing healthcare professionals worldwide. IHS members are engaged in the practice of testing human hearing and selecting, fitting and dispensing hearing instruments and counseling patients. Founded in 1951, the Society continues to recognize the need for promoting and maintaining the highest possible standards for its members in the best interests of the hearing impaired it serves. For more information visit
www.ihsinfo.org.
About Miracle-Ear
A trusted resource for hearing solutions for 65 years, Miracle-Ear uses state-of-the-art technology to remove the barriers of hearing loss. The Plymouth, Minn-based company specializes in customizable hearing solutions that feature discreet, comfortable products designed to meet each individual's hearing loss needs. Free hearing tests are available at all of the company's 1,200 franchised locations across the U.S. Franchise opportunities are available for those interested in running their own Miracle-Ear business with the support of a nationwide industry leader.
