What does Preamble of Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a demonstration project. The demonstration project concerns coverage by the Department of Veterans Affairs of over-the-counter hearing aids. The bill includes provisions for other purposes, though these are not specified in this section.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026.

What does DEMONSTRATION PROJECT ON COVERAGE BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS of Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a demonstration project within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to evaluate the fiscal impact of covering FDA-cleared, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. The demonstration project will compare OTC hearing aids to professionally fitted prescription hearing aids, assessing their effectiveness and fiscal impact. Eligible participants must be enrolled in the VA's patient enrollment system, have mild-to-moderate hearing loss determined by an audiologist, and have access to mobile technology. The project will be conducted at at least two VA medical facilities selected for their ability to reduce access barriers and serve a diverse veteran population. The project will include study groups for both FDA-cleared OTC hearing aids and audiologist-fitted prescription hearing aids, with approximately equal participant allocation. The VA Secretary will measure self-reported benefits and speech recognition in noise, and evaluate the fiscal impact of permanent coverage over a two-year follow-up period. The Secretary is required to consult with consumer and stakeholder organizations during the project. Interim and final reports will be submitted to the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs, including an evaluation of the fiscal impact of covering OTC hearing aids.

What does COMPTROLLER GENERAL STUDY AND REPORT ON VETERANS HEARING AID of Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026 do?

This section mandates a study by the Comptroller General regarding hearing aid benefits for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss under section 1707(b) of title 38, United States Code. The study must examine the number of individuals needing hearing aids, their medical coverage related to obtaining them, and the effectiveness of that coverage. The study may also examine contract design for purchasing hearing aid devices. The Comptroller General must submit a report to Congress within 18 months of the Act's enactment. The report should include recommendations for changes to Department of Veterans Affairs programs and benefits, potentially including new programs, to address the needs of veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

Back to bills

Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026

Last updated: 5/21/2026 · Introduced: 5/21/2026

Author: Keith Self (R-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs demonstration project to assess the effectiveness and cost of providing over-the-counter hearing aids to veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss compared to traditional prescription hearing aids.
The bill requires a study by the Comptroller General to evaluate the current Department of Veterans Affairs hearing aid benefits for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and to recommend potential improvements.
The Comptroller General’s study will examine the number of veterans needing hearing aids, their existing medical coverage, and the effectiveness of that coverage, potentially leading to new or modified VA programs.

119th Congressin committeeS. 3739(In Committee)Official page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account