In reference to the article by Anne Oyler, “The American Hearing Loss Epidemic” (Feb. 14, 2012), there are several other factors regarding this issue that also must be addressed.

Primarily, the very high cost of hearing aids—thousands of dollars—makes those with a hearing loss reluctant to seek help. In addition, there are reports from those who wear hearing aids that the hearing aids don’t always deliver everything that the supplier promises. I have experienced this problem from costly hearing aids I bought from reputable purveyors of hearing aids, through a licensed, certified audiologist and a licensed hearing aid dispenser. It is high time for ASHA to investigate these problems.

Most folks with hearing loss want to be helped, but also want to be honestly assured that the hearing aids that they purchase will deliver speech that is audible and, above all, that is clearly intelligible, and reasonable in cost.

Secondly, it would be most welcome if ASHA would pursue cost reimbursement, through Medicare, for those eligible.