On August 22, 2009 more than 200 people, mostly members of The Nevada Chapter of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell NV) met with Representative Dina Titus (NV, 3rd District) at an early morning brunch, to thank her for her support of legislation that would help address the lack of financial assistance for people who need hearing aids. The hearing aid tax credit legislation would provide a $500 tax credit towards the purchase of a hearing aid for children and for people 55 and older. Medicare excludes hearing aid coverage, as do most private insurance policies. As a result, nearly two thirds of people who do not seek hearing aid treatment report that cost is a primary barrier.
Randi King of Las Vegas stated that hearing aids have had a major impact on her life. “Hearing aids are critical to me and totally necessary to do well at my work, at home, communicating with family and friends, coworkers, and the rest of the world.” Randi, a teacher with the Clark County School District mentioned that she knows there are a lot of parents who cannot afford the hearing aids for their children.
Dr. Nichole Sheldon an audiologist working for CCSD stated that she sees situations where children were identified with hearing loss at birth and families cannot afford the hearing aids until school age or beyond. “They're in the fourth and fifth grade,” states Dr. Sheldon, “and they’re getting their first set of hearing aids. By that age they’ve missed out on a huge critical period for language development.”
Seven year old, Samuel Grant of Henderson was the youngest of the speakers to share on how hearing aids have helped. “They help me hear and understand what people say,” Samuel said. “If I did not have them, I think I would fail in school. I do not want that to happen. I am proud to have my hearing aids. I am able to enjoy my friends and education. I love my hearing aids and not just because they glow in the dark. I want all hearing-impaired kids to have a good life just like me.”
Lize Kragh of Las Vegas, who has worn hearing aids since she was two years old, works for the Nevada Hard of Hearing Advocacy Center. Ms. Kragh stated that many of her late deafened clients sometimes do not have hearing aids and ear molds that fit them properly. They cannot make the necessary changes because of cost. A tax credit would help make the necessary changes possible.
The 200 plus people in attendance, is currently a record nationally, showing support for the bill. It obviously shows the concern and importance of the tax credit for families and individuals with hearing loss that need hearing aids.
Rep. Titus is a co-sponsor of the hearing aid tax credit act (HR1646), and she also supports an important provision in the House of Representatives health care reform bill that would mandate insurance coverage for children who need hearing aids. The AG Bell members are urging Rep. Titus to push for passage of the provisions when she returns to Washington.
For more information visit www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org
