Congressman Jim Ryun (R–KS), along with 20 co-sponsors, has reintroduced legislation for the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act. Originally introduced in 2003, this bill would provide a $500 tax credit per hearing aid purchased, once every five years, for those under the age of 18 or for individuals age 55 or older.
The Hearing Industries Association (HIA) in partnership with other hearing healthcare organizations including IHS has already begun setting up meetings with other congressional offices to gain additional support for this legislation.
Original co-sponsors of the Act include representatives Spencer Bachus (R–AL), Sandford Bishop (D–GA), Jo Ann Davis (R–VA), Rosa DeLauro (D–CT), John Duncan (R–TN), Vernon Ehlers (R–MI), Scott Garrett (R–NJ), Maurice Hinchey (D–NY), Henry Hyde (R–IL), Dale Kildee (D–MI), Stephen Lynch (D–MA), Carolyn McCarthy (D–NY), Mike McIntyre (D–NC), George Miller (D–CA), Dennis Moore (D–KS), Ron Paul (R–TX), Mike Ross (D–AR), Chris Van Hollen (D–MD), Robert Wexler (D–FL) and Bill Young (R–FL).
McDermott Will & Emery LLP news brief
For the first time in history, hearing aid purchases in the U.S. have soared to over two million. According to HIA, hearing aid sales statistics included both private and public entities and 83% of the hearing aids purchased were digital.
“This second million mark is an important one, but it took much too long to get here. With the help of former President Reagan, the industry topped the million mark in 1983, and together we must all ensure that it is not another two decades for the next million,” said HIA Chair Jerry Ruzicka.
For the last 40 years members of HIA have voluntarily contributed sales statistics on a quarterly basis. According to Executive Director Carole Rogin, the sales report reflects virtually all the hearing aid sales by model and type of technology and state, along with other important market information.
HIA press release
The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) has announced the publication of a newly developed consumer resource entitled, “Your Guide to Better Hearing.” It incorporates information from seven prior BHI publications, as well as new articles authored by BHI’s Technical Advisory Council.
The guide, available on BHI’s new website at www.betterhearing.org, spans a broad spectrum of topics. It covers areas such as the effect of untreated hearing loss, famous celebrities who overcame hearing loss, the positive impact of hearing instruments on quality of life, hearing loss prevention and financial assistance.
BHI Executive Director Sergei Kochkin, PhD, said, “I believe we effectively leveraged the 30-year history of BHI and our knowledge of the efficacy of modern hearing instruments, as well as the quality of life insights emanating from the landmark National Council on the Aging study.”
Contributing authors and reviewers include Brian Bender; Ruth Bentler, PhD; Richard Carmen, AuD; Cynthia Compton-Conley, PhD; Patricia Connelly, PhD, CCCA; Richard Danielson, PhD; David Fabry, PhD; Todd Fortune, PhD; Judith Gravel, PhD; Kathy Harvey, BC-HIS, CCCA; Patricia McCarthy, PhD; H. Gustav Mueller, PhD; Tom Powers, PhD; Ross Roeser, PhD; Don Schum, PhD; Timothy Trine, PhD and Laura Voll, CCCA.
BHI press release
An electronic legislative reporting service is one of the latest IHS initiatives to help protect the rights of hearing instrument specialists. It’s an excellent tool for tracking industry trends and provides a heads up on issues unfavorable to the membership that demand immediate attention.
The system flags legislation pertinent to the hearing healthcare profession across the U.S. and sends an instant email to IHS. The staff analyzes the legislation for possible action—whether it be to pursue countermeasures or disseminate to the appropriate state chapter for consideration or both.
The system has already proven to be an exceptional success and we look forward to its ongoing use as we continue to look for innovative ways to better serve both our individual members and our affiliate chapters.
IHS extends its deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these members.
Bernard Barber, BC-HIS, from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia passed away last September at the age of 53. He joined IHS in 1996.
Edward Gibson, from Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away February 10 at the age of 83. He worked at Good Hearing Service and had been a member of IHS for 19 years. THP
