Academy and FLAA Advocate Against Risky Hearing Aid Policies

Last week, Florida Senate Bill (SB) 126 passed in the Senate and moved to the House. Initially introduced alongside House Bill (HB) 101 to remove the state’s mail-order hearing aid ban, SB 126 has since been amended, reducing patient protections. The bill now eliminates essential testing requirements and mandates telehealth as the sole method of service delivery, potentially limiting patient access to necessary care. In contrast, HB 101 maintains critical safeguards, requiring licensed audiologists or hearing instrument specialists to conduct testing before a prescription hearing aid is mailed. However, it still falls short of protecting children, who require specialized care and oversight when receiving hearing aids.

While we support efforts to modernize access to care, both the Academy and the Florida Academy of Audiology (FLAA) have raised serious concerns about the impact of these bills. In response, both organizations sent letters to lawmakers urging them to retain the protections in HB 101 while amending it to exclude children from mail-order provisions. Additionally, they strongly opposed SB 126 due to its potential risks to consumer safety.

To mobilize support, the Academy collaborated with FLAA to launch a grassroots advocacy messaging campaign. This initiative encouraged audiologists to contact legislators and push for patient-centered amendments. These efforts highlight the critical need for hearing healthcare policies that reflect expert guidance and prioritize the well-being of all Floridians.