Kids' hearing aids aren't 'cosmetic.' Insurance should cover them. (2024)

In Texas, private insurance companies are not required to cover children's hearing aids. They're considered cosmetic devices — even though doctors agree that early intervention for young children with hearing loss is critical. Without hearing aids, it's difficult for the child to learn to listen and speak. And a child who misses the critical period for learning language will require expensive, difficult interventions later.

House Bill 2979 would require insurance companies to cover children's hearing aids. On April 29, Houston father Michael Wachs delivered this testimony before the House Insurance Committee.

GOOD AFTERNOON. My name is Michael Wachs, and I've come here from Houston to voice my support for HB 2979....

I also come on behalf of our daughter Iris. Iris was born fifteen months ago. In Texas, as in most states, there are newborn hearing tests in the hospital, which she did not pass. We were told it's not unusual for babies delivered via C-section to have fluid in their ears and affect the test. We were told to go to the ENT two weeks later for another, more in-depth test. Two weeks came and the verdict was final: Iris had permanent hearing loss in both ears.

I don't know if any of you have kids, but the first few weeks of being a first-time parent is a period that's filled with many diapers and little sleep. You have no idea what you're doing or how anything is supposed to be. You are  —  quite literally  —  insane.

As my wife and I sat in the doctor's office receiving the diagnosis and having our lives altered once again, the thing that was drilled into us of the utmost importance was early intervention  —  that is, for Iris to get into hearing aids as soon as possible.

A thick packet with a glossy cover of very major concerns was gently dropped into our laps. Without hearing aids— we were told—  Iris would suffer in school: Following along without being able to hear would, obviously, be quite difficult. Without hearing aids — we were told — children have higher instances of depression and suicide because they feel isolated from the world. Also, the hearing aids — we were told — are not covered by insurance and will be about $6,000, plus routine maintenance like new ear molds.

Finding out that your daughter is in danger of falling behind in school and feeling isolation before she's three weeks old while you're temporarily crazy is a surreal thing to hear. It's like meeting with a very depressing fortune teller,  and then being asked to pay a $6,000 bill.

The most amazing thing about having a child with hearing loss while living in Houston is being able to be a client of the Center for Hearing and Speech. Because of a grant they have, we were able to borrow a pair of hearing aids for Iris up until she turns 18 months. She received her first pair at six weeks old.

Two weeks ago, we went into our speech therapy appointment and were told that Iris is at a speech level of an 18–24 month old  —  not only on track, but ahead of schedule because of speech therapy, my wife's constant reinforcement, and  —  most critically  —  her hearing aids.

Because of a fortuitous grant we thankfully had access to, we we were able to temporarily not worry about coming up with money or delay one second getting Iris into hearing aids. Because of that early intervention, she is flourishing and talking up a storm.

I have seen the proof firsthand of how much technology and education can nullify hearing loss and allow kids to be kids, to live regular lives  —  full of potential and unhindered by any sort of constraint.

I will admit that is a little confusing  —  paradoxical? byzantine?  —  to argue the necessity of hearing at a...hearing; at the Capitol, where laws are publicly heard, discussed, and debated. By virtue of the fact of how our whole political system is setup, it practically screams, "Hearing is very important!"

But maybe you feel the government needs reforming. Okay.

I'd like to ask if hearing your favorite song, a breeze; or the voice of your father, mother, husband, wife, son, or daughter is necessary or just a nice luxury?

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