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I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Barbara Kelley, Executive Director of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), and our conversation revealed just how much work goes into making hearing healthcare more accessible for millions of Americans.
What struck me most was Barbara's tireless dedication to advocacy, particularly in the journey to bring over-the-counter hearing aids to market. She walked me through the fascinating process, from the initial FDA recommendations to the eventual legislation that made it possible. It wasn't a simple task – it required coordinating with multiple organizations, countless visits to legislators, and years of persistent education efforts.
The story took an interesting turn when Barbara mentioned President Biden's State of the Union address. While he wasn't entirely accurate in stating that "everybody can buy a hearing aid over the counter," his comment sparked a media frenzy that gave HLAA a platform to educate the public about the two pathways to hearing healthcare: over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids.
What really resonated with me was Barbara's emphasis that it's not an either/or situation. Whether someone chooses over-the-counter or prescription aids, consulting with a healthcare provider remains crucial. Some people might benefit from the flexibility of over-the-counter options for specific situations, while others might need the comprehensive care that comes with prescription aids and professional fitting.
Our conversation took a personal turn when Barbara shared her own experiences with medical appointments. She described a telling interaction with her doctor who, despite examining her ears during a physical, never asked about her hearing. When she pointed this out, the doctor replied that they could tell her hearing was fine because they were having a normal conversation. Barbara had to explain that their face-to-face interaction in a quiet room wasn't representative of real-world hearing challenges. Thanks to her advocacy, that doctor now includes hearing screenings in all physical examinations.
This story perfectly illustrates the daily advocacy required of people with hearing loss. As Barbara pointed out, it's not just about the big policy changes – it's about the everyday moments of self-advocacy, from asking colleagues to speak one at a time in meetings to requesting proper accommodations during medical procedures. It can be exhausting, and as she wisely noted, "It's okay not to be a great advocate every day of the week."
We also discussed the HLAA's walks for hearing, which take place in 20 cities across the country. These events bring together diverse communities and provide a casual, festive atmosphere where people can learn about hearing health, get screenings, and connect with others. As Barbara observed, "Hearing loss doesn't discrimininate" – it affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and these walks reflect that reality.
What became clear throughout our conversation is that advocacy is a long game. Whether it's pushing for Medicare coverage of hearing aids or educating the public about new over-the-counter options, progress often comes slowly and requires persistent effort. But organizations like HLAA, under Barbara's leadership, keep pushing forward, making hearing healthcare more accessible one step at a time.
Want to hear more insights from Barbara about hearing healthcare advocacy, including her fascinating work with the FDA and her perspective on the future of hearing health? You can find the full episode wherever you get your podcasts. Barbara shares more personal stories and dives deeper into how HLAA is working to transform hearing healthcare accessibility for everyone.