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Matthew Starner of Echo-Norvell Hearing Aid Service in Newark, Ohio, acted swiftly upon receiving news that his Ohio state Hearing Aid Specialist licensure could be eliminated and replaced with a registration. The proposed bill, HB 509, was recommended by the Sunset Review Committee of Ohio, and was made known by the Hearing Healthcare Alliance of Ohio. This news comes at a pivotal time in the hearing healthcare industry where there have been changes to the hearing aid device and service delivery model.

Matthew contacted his Listen Carefully representative at Starkey to review a plan of action in response to the proposed bill. The Starkey team, led by Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations Michael Scholl, convened with a plan to address the importance of licensure as it ensures patient safety and satisfaction. On November 30, 2022, Matthew testified in front of Ohio’s 134th General Assembly.

“Substitute HB 509 has some good ideas; however, the unintended consequences of this bill would greatly hamper the ability of Ohio's hearing-impaired community. By changing the Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters licensing to a "registration,” Ohio would no longer have hearing aid practices because it would be breaking Federal law. Ohio residents would also not be able to get hearing aids through their insurance plans because you have to have a license to be credentialed,” explains Matthew.

Michael Scholl reports, “Matthew’s advocacy and testimony played a key role in educating elected officials about the importance of licensure. In the end the legislature restored the licensure language ensuring individuals with hearing loss have broad access to qualified licensed hearing care providers. Hearing care is best served in the hands of a licensed hearing healthcare professional.”

Listen Carefully aims to shed a light on all aspects of hearing loss to better inform our leaders as they formulate solutions directly impacting the long-term health of millions of Americans living with hearing loss. Listen Carefully relies on the support of local hearing professionals to make their voices heard with their corresponding state and local lawmakers. In this effort, the campaign has kickstarted a Listen Carefully Ambassador Program to enlist the help of private practice hearing healthcare professionals that are leaders in their communities and are willing and able to make their voice heard. 

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