Bill · H.R. 9001· House(119-HR-9001)
Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 6/5/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Sponsored by
- Keith Self
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to start a two-year demonstration project regarding the coverage of over-the-counter hearing aids. This project aims to evaluate the fiscal impact and effectiveness of these devices compared to professionally fitted prescription hearing aids. Eligible veterans must have mild-to-moderate hearing loss and access to mobile technology. The project will take place at at least two different medical facilities across various locations. Additionally, the Comptroller General is required to conduct a study on hearing aid assistance for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Yes· 3 of 8
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+6
The bill directly seeks to improve the provision and effectiveness of hearing aid benefits for veterans.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+6
The bill establishes a demonstration project to improve the coverage and effectiveness of hearing aid assistance for veterans.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+5
The bill addresses hearing loss, a condition that often impacts older populations, through a new demonstration project.
The opposite
Does this get reliable internet to more people?-2
The bill requires participants to have access to mobile data or Wi-Fi to utilize the hearing aid technology, creating a potential barrier for those without reliable connectivity.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Evaluation of Cost-Effective Options: The demonstration project seeks to evaluate the fiscal impact of covering FDA-cleared, over-the-counter hearing aids (Section 2(a) and 2(e)(1)). This could lead to more efficient use of Department of Veterans Affairs funds.
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Increased Access to Hearing Solutions: The project will be implemented at medical facilities that have a demonstrated ability to reduce access barriers for diverse veteran populations in both rural and urban settings (Section 2(d)).
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Personalized Technology Options: The bill defines over-the-counter hearing aids as devices that include features allowing for personalization through technology, such as software or smartphone applications (Section 2(i)).
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Comprehensive Needs Assessment: The Comptroller General will conduct a study to provide recommendations on changes to programs and benefits to better meet the needs of veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss (Section 3(b) and 3(c)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Technology Barriers: To be eligible for the demonstration project, a veteran must have access to a mobile phone device and mobile data or Wi-Fi to operate the hearing aid functionality (Section 2(c)(3)).
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Clinical Restrictions: Participation is limited to those whose hearing loss is deemed mild-to-moderate and who have no "red flag" conditions or contraindications as specified by the FDA (Section 2(c)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+6Good For Seniors+5Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Low Income Households+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+6
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+1
- 6/5/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Kevin MullinDemocrat · California
Derrick Van OrdenRepublican · Wisconsin