A Proactive Playbook for the 2026 Legislative Sessions: How to Successfully Shape Your Future (On-Demand Webinar)-HAS Deregulation

HAS Deregulation

Pdf Summary

The deregulation of Hearing Aid Specialists (HAS)—also known by various titles such as hearing aid fitters or dispensers—poses significant risks to patient access, safety, and overall hearing healthcare quality. In 2022, the FDA reclassified hearing aids into prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) categories, but left states responsible for licensure requirements of hearing care providers. Traditionally, licensed HAS have been the backbone of hearing aid services in the U.S., responsible for educating patients, conducting hearing tests, fitting prescriptive hearing aids, and maintaining continuing education.<br /><br />Removing licensure requirements would eliminate about half of private hearing aid service providers, resulting in widespread business closures, job losses, and diminished patient relationships. This would exacerbate an existing shortage of hearing health professionals, particularly affecting rural residents and seniors, leading to delayed care, poorer health outcomes, and increased costs. Licensed HAS also enable patients to access managed care and insurance coverage, which require credentialed prescribers; deregulation threatens patients’ ability to utilize such benefits.<br /><br />Hearing loss affects over 60 million Americans and is linked to serious mental health concerns including cognitive decline, dementia, social isolation, and reduced work opportunities. Untreated hearing loss is now recognized as the leading modifiable risk factor for dementia. Because of these serious health impacts, professional hearing healthcare through licensed specialists is critical.<br /><br />In summary, eliminating HAS licensure would restrict patient access to qualified professionals, increase healthcare costs, reduce the quality and safety of hearing aid services, and weaken collaboration with insurance and federal programs. Maintaining licensure safeguards patient care, supports the HAS profession, and helps address the growing public health challenge of hearing loss.

Keywords

Hearing Aid Specialists

HAS deregulation

patient access

hearing healthcare quality

FDA hearing aid reclassification

licensure requirements

hearing aid services

hearing loss impact

hearing health professionals shortage

insurance coverage for hearing aids