[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 28, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S7757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NATIONAL AUDIOLOGY AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, October is National Audiology Awareness 
Month. It also happens to be the 3-year anniversary of the bipartisan 
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act regulations going into effect. You see 
this on television now--advertisements for the Over-the-Counter Hearing 
Aid Act. Before this legislation was passed, there was a whole bunch of 
redtape you had to go through to buy very expensive hearing aids. Now 
they are more affordable.
  While it took too many years for the Food and Drug Administration to 
issue these regulations following my bipartisan 2017 law, I am glad 
Americans now have access to safe, effective, and affordable hearing 
aids over the counter.
  While we have known for years that hearing loss is a major factor in 
a person getting dementia, it wasn't until recently that we found out 
that accessing hearing aids can decrease the risk of cognitive decline 
by nearly half.
  For many, purchasing hearing aids presents many questions. That is 
why accessing audiology services can be helpful.
  To access audiology services, like a diagnostic test, under Medicare, 
a physician's order is required. That requires more time and a great 
number of hoops to jump through. I want people to know that I support 
cutting this unnecessary redtape. That is why I partnered with my 
colleagues to introduce legislation called the Medicare Audiology 
Access Improvement Act. Our bill will let seniors access a full range 
of hearing health services provided by licensed audiologists without 
the redtape.
  During Audiology Awareness Month, Americans should be aware that they 
can access hearing aids over the counter, and Congress is working hard 
to improve access to those audiology services.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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