Hearing aids will become more accessible thanks to a new rule. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that people can now buy hearing aids directly from a store or online, said FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf. Before, Americans could only get a hearing aid with a prescription, visiting a hearing health professional and having a custom fitting. The new rule will help those with hearing loss to buy hearing aids over the counter.
Dr. Robert Califf said, “Today’s action will not only help those with hearing loss gain access to more affordable and innovative production options, but it’ll release the power of American industry to improve the technology in a way it’ll impact the heavy burden of disability from hearing loss that affects the world.”
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) lauded the new rule made by the FDA. “ASHA fully supports the creation of this new category of over-the-counter hearing devices, which will increase the availability and affordability of hearing aids for many Americans,” said Janice R. Trent, a leader of ASHA.
The new rule still doesn’t ensure hearing aids are covered by insurance. Hearing aids often burn a huge hole in people’s pockets with a pair costing $4,000, according to a study published in JAMA. Considering that five large companies control 90% of the global marketplace for hearing aids, FDA is counting on the new rule to bring down prices by inviting more players into the market.
“I have a big smile on my face right now,” said Dr. Frank Lin, director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health. “In 1977, the only way for hearing aids to be safe and effective was that they were programmed, fitted and professionally adjusted by a licensed provider. Now the new rule could change the market. This allows more companies that are already making innovative earbuds to enter the market.”
【小题1】What does Dr. Robert Califf focus on about the new rule in paragraph 2?| A．The background of making it. | B．Its possible positive influences. |
| C．His worries over its acceptance. | D．His explanations of its contents. |
| A．Challenged. | B．Rejected. | C．Praised. | D．Adjusted. |
| A．There is little competition. | B．They are in great demand. |
| C．They are of excellent quality. | D．More insurance is required. |
| A．More and more companies will be well monitored. |
| B．Hearing aids will be much safer and more effective. |
| C．The market of hearing aids will be more dynamic. |
| D．The process of making hearing aids will be simpler. |
