AUDIOLOGY CAUCUS-March 8, 2008
Kathleen Hutchinson, Audiology Professional Practice Representative

Despite the 20 inches of snow, fourteen brave Audiologists stayed on Saturday to discuss issues relevant to our field of hearing science in the 2008 Audiology Caucus.  Three primary topics were discussed:  Reauthorization of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Act, Direct Access for Medicare beneficiaries, and the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit (H.R. 2329 or S. 1410). 

The EHDI Act of 2007 was first authorized in the Newborn Infant Hearing Screening and Intervention Act of 1999.  EHDI grants to states have increased the number of infants screened from only about 40% to more than 90% of infants screened before they leave the hospital.  Briefing and legislative contact website links were displayed for further information and all were encouraged to write or email their legislators and representatives.  Several Audiologists requested that our government lobbyist discuss the possibility of adding screening for newborns for cytomegalovirus (CMV).  Questions also arose concerning the Joint Commission’s 2007 guidelines and how their recommendations will be implemented into Ohio.

Audiologists at the Caucus were also encouraged to support the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit bill to provide a tax credit for up to $500 per hearing aid, once every five years.  We all know that the costs of hearing aids are increasing and out-of-pocket expenses follow in a linear fashion.  Questions were asked about Ohio Medicaid’s policy on analog hearing aids.

Direct Access to Audiologists has been a longstanding lobbying effort for both ASHA and AAA.  The Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act of 2007 would allow Medicare beneficiaries the option of going directly to Audiologists for hearing and balance diagnostic tests.  While our ENT colleagues know that 95% of individuals with presbycusis cannot be helped with medical intervention, some physicians still oppose our autonomy. Dissatisfaction with the progress of this bill’s sponsorship was expressed by some audience members.

Many thanks to the intrepid travelers who helped make the Audiology Caucus 2008 fun and interesting.