(Reston, VA–January 27, 2017) Over the past two years, there has been considerable national focus on hearing care in the United States. Much of this focus has been directed toward the issues of accessibility and affordability. The Academy recognizes the significance and implications that this national dialogue has for our profession and the patients we serve. Accordingly, the Academy seeks to ensure that the role of the audiologist remains central to the delivery of high-quality hearing care, while also balancing the consumer need for accessibility and affordability.
The Academy offers the following statements as guidance in light of ongoing consideration by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create a category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to examine competition, innovation, and consumer protection issues related to hearing health and technology.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Devices (January 26, 2017)
- Accessibility and Affordability of Hearing Care for Adult Consumers (January 26, 2017)
About the American Academy of Audiology
The American Academy of Audiology is the world's largest professional organization of, by, and for audiologists. With an active membership of almost 12,000 audiologists, the Academy promotes quality hearing and balance care by advancing the profession of audiology through leadership, advocacy, education, public awareness, and support of research. For more information about the American Academy of Audiology, visit www.audiology.org
