The Health Subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce Committee recently held a hearing titled “The Long Haul: Forging a Path through the Lingering Effects of COVID-19” to gather information on how best to address the lingering effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly for those patients categorized as “long haulers” who continue to suffer from a myriad of ailments associated with a prior COVID-19 infection.
The American Academy of Audiology (Academy) along with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) collaborated on a statement highlighting the strong correlation between COVID-19 and hearing loss and vestibular problems. A recent study published in the International Journal of Audiology reviewed evidence from 24 different studies on the link between COVID-19 and hearing problems.
Based on this systematic review, scientists estimate that 7.6 percent of people infected with COVID-19 experience hearing loss, 14.8 percent suffer from tinnitus, and 7.2 percent report vertigo (Almufarrij and Munro, 2021). the study authors also identified “an urgent need” for more study of the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the auditory system.
Given the established link between COVID-19 and hearing loss, vestibular, and balance issues, the joint statement makes the case that it is now more important than ever to make sure that vulnerable seniors have access to the services of audiologists, the primary health-care professionals trained to diagnose and treat these conditions.
The Medicare Audiologist Access and Services Act, H.R. 1587 is a cost-effective approach to address hearing-related conditions currently experienced by COVID-19 survivors and should be included in any legislative response to this problem.
Reference
Almufarrij I, Munro KJ. (2021) One year on: an updated systematic review of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and audio-vestibular symptoms. Int. J. Audiol. March 22. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1896793.
Related Posts
Supplemental Benefits In Medicare Advantage (Hearing, Vision, Dental) Under Discussion
On November 4, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) discussed how to standardize a set of three or four benefits—potentially hearing, vision and dental services—in Medicare Advantage (MA) for a future recommendation to Congress after MedPAC staff found that people have a more challenging time comparing plans when they have a variety of options. MedPAC…
Academy Provides Recommendations to Congress on Reforming the Medicare Physician Payment System
The Academy submitted comments in response to a congressional Request for Information (RFI) seeking suggestions on how to stabilize the Medicare physician payment system, including reforming the current payment structure so it supports a system that provides greater value to patients and to clinicians. The Academy provided specific recommendations on the Medicare Physician Payment System…
Have You Heard?
An Update for Academy Members from the Academy’s Executive Director
By Patrick Gallagher, MBA, Executive Director Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids (HAs) became officially available on Monday, October 17, 2022, and their introduction has been met with much fanfare in the media. Within the Academy community, the reaction has been more measured. The Academy has recognized that OTC HAs may be a way for adults to…