Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026

Sponsor: Keith Self (Republican-TX)May 21, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

VA would test covering over-the-counter hearing aids for veterans.

This bill would create a two-year project for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It would test covering over-the-counter hearing aids for eligible veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Today, the VA only covers prescription hearing aids. The bill also asks for a separate study on veterans' hearing aid benefits.

What Would Change

Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) covers prescription hearing aids for eligible veterans but does not cover over-the-counter options. If this bill passes, the VA would start a two-year project to test covering FDA-cleared, over-the-counter hearing aids for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Additionally, the Comptroller General would conduct a study on veterans' hearing aid benefits and recommend changes.

Key Provisions

Creates a two-year project for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to test covering FDA-cleared, over-the-counter hearing aids for veterans.
Allows veterans to participate in the project if they are enrolled in VA care, have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, and can use a mobile phone with the hearing aid.
Requires the VA to run the project at at least two medical facilities that serve diverse veteran populations in rural and urban areas.
Compares the effectiveness and cost of over-the-counter hearing aids against professionally fitted prescription hearing aids.
Orders the Comptroller General to study current hearing aid benefits for veterans and suggest improvements to Congress.

View on Congress.gov

HR 9001 · 119th Congress · May 21, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 10/10

Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026

What Would Change

Key Provisions

Lobbying Activity