Hearing loss is a major public health issue independently associated with higher health care costs, increased risk of comorbidities and chronic conditions, as well as poorer physical functioning. With the number of individuals with hearing losses expected to double over the next two decades, DHC and our allies believe it's imperative to protect future medical innovation and further advocate for the development of health interventions that give individuals with hearing losses the ability to fully participate and function in a Hearing society. 

 

The average individual may think hearing loss doesn't impact them now, but according to a recent study by Johns Hopkins University, researchers project the number of adults 20 years or older diagnosed with hearing loss is expected to increase to 74 million individuals (23% of adults) by 2060. The growing prevalence of individuals with hearing losses, individuals already at increased risk of experiencing a wide range of comorbidities, chronic conditions, and diseases means it's crucial DHC and our allies advocate for health policies that encourage the development of future medical interventions and treatments, and against policies that hinder incentives for medical innovation. Industry innovators in both the biotechnology and life sciences sectors have played a key role in ensuring individuals with hearing losses can live long, healthy lives while allowing us to overcome social determinants of health that often prevent our ability to fully participate in a Hearing society.

 

DHC and our allies believe these projections can inform policymakers when proposing legislation that impact access to novel medical devices and treatments that may benefit individuals with hearing losses more than others. We urge policymakers to avoid pursuing legislation, such as foreign reference pricing, that would harm incentives and discourage innovators from investing more time and effort in the research and development of new technologies and treatments that help improve our lives. According to a 2019 report from the National Council on Disability, the use of QALYs in many foreign countries to inform benefits and coverage decisions has delayed access to lifesaving health interventions for people with disabilities. Foreign reference pricing policies would bring QALYs, and the access barriers that come with them, to the U.S. Industry innovators have already played a tremendous role in improving the quality of life and health of individuals with hearing losses through medical technologies such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, as well as treatments for conditions and diseases that disproportionately impact individuals with hearing losses. As the world's technology and science continues to advance, DHC and our allies maintain our staunch support on behalf of policies that will further the research and development of innovative health interventions that continue to improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing losses.

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