Friends of the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus (CHHC) is a coalition that supports the CHHC, a US House of Representatives Caucus focused on issues related to hearing health.

The ACI Alliance recently became the Chair of the Friends of the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus (FCHHC). The FCHHC is focused on supporting the work of the House Congressional Hearing Health Caucus’s goal of raising awareness for issues faced by the deaf and hard of hearing communities, including health issues, access to coverage, and early intervention for children. 

The FCHHC sponsors two events aimed at achieving these goals. The first is a yearly briefing for Congressional staffers on a key topic on hearing health. In recent years, the topics included the fundamental need for passage of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) bill and the full health impact of adult hearing loss.

The second event is a tour of the National Institute for Health’s (NIH) National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)for congressional staff. The tour allows key decision makers the opportunity to see first-hand new developments in medicine and technology. 

June 4, 2020

On March 9, 2020, the members of the Friends of the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus (FCHHC) requested that Congress fully fund the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) initiative at its full authorization level of $11.5M to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and $19M to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The FCHHC also supported a $507M budget for the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders (NIDCD), which is an $17M increase from FY 2020. The full letter can be found here.

MAY 29, 2019

On May 29, 2019, the CHHC meet to discuss Understanding the Cost of Not Treating Hearing Loss in Adults. Extensive new research has demonstrated that not properly treating hearing loss impacts overall health of adults and has significant economic effects. Not treating hearing loss can: interfere with one’s ability to participate in day-to-day human interactions, contribute to an increase in falls, result in higher rates of dementia and longer hospital stays, and impact on employment. What is the current role of Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance in providing hearing health related services? What would be the cost-savings of adding specific services? What are the individual and societal benefits?

The Friends of the CHHC briefing luncheon was intended for Congressional staff and other Federal employees. Speakers Richard K. Gurgel, MD and Ian Windmill, PhD spoke on the importance of understanding the cost of not treating hearing loss in adults. In older people, hearing loss is associated with social isolation, falls, and increased levels of dementia. The presentations are available below. Hearing Loss in Older Adults: A Public Heath Imperative, Richard K. Gurgel, MD. The cost of hearing care in the United States, Ian Windmill, PhD.

MAY 16, 2019

On May 16, 2018, a group of organizations in the field collaborated to sponsor an educational briefing on the effect of untreated hearing loss in older adults. Supporting organizations were: AG Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, American Academy of Audiology, American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, American Cochlear Implant Alliance, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Tinnitus Association, Gallaudet University, Hearing Health Foundation, Hearing Industries Association, Hearing Loss Association of America, International Hearing Society, National Court Reporters Association, Songs for Sound, and Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
 

The Friends of the CHHC briefing luncheon was intended for Congressional staff and other Federal employees. Speakers Barbara Weinstein PhD and David Fabry PhD spoke on the importance of recognizing untreated hearing loss as a health issue. In older people, hearing loss is associated with social isolation, falls, and increased levels of dementia.  Dr. Fabry highlighted new technology that help people connect more effectively for hearing and other health care. The speaker presentations are available below. Age Related Hearing Loss, Barbara Weinstein PhD What Does The Future Look Like for Hearing Aid Technology?, David Fabry PhD

Congressman David McKinley, a CI recipient, opens CI2015 DC.