Article content

WASHINGTON — Hearing loss is a growing public health problem that can leave older adults socially isolated and even increase their risk for dementia — yet getting treated is a pricey hassle, declares a prestigious U.S. government advisory group that’s calling for change.

One proposal: Allow some simple devices for mild hearing problems to be sold over the counter to people who can’t afford or aren’t ready to make the leap to full hearing aids.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Advisers urge easier access to treatment for hearing loss Back to video

Only a fraction of older adults who might benefit from hearing aids use them, and one reason is the price — averaging about $4,700 a pair including all the fitting services, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine reported Thursday. Most patients largely cover the costs out of pocket, as insurance coverage is very limited and standard Medicare doesn’t pay for hearing aids, just the diagnostic tests.

“Hearing loss has been relegated to the sidelines of health care,” said Dr. Dan Blazer of Duke University, who chaired the academies’ committee. “We need to provide more affordability and accessibility to hearing health care.”