The United States Senate worked on something Thursday that may be important to many older Floridians who struggled with hearing issues. It passed the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017. The measure is designed to allow for retail sales of devices at the fraction of a cost of the current technology. The House had already passed the bill so no it will go to President Trump’s desk for him to sign. Research has shown that one of three people experience hearing loss at some level. Today’s devices are not covered by Medicare and can cost as much as $1,500. The Hearing Loss Association of America says nearly 80 percent of Americans who need a device go without due to the high cost. The Food and Drug Administration will have three years to put the program in place.
