One positive trend for health insurance companies in 2010?

Local audiologists, Dr. Kristen Duncan and Dr. Danette Nulph, have noticed an increase in the number of insurance companies that will begin to offer a hearing aid benefit to their members in 2010.  Previously, the majority of health insurance plans would cover diagnostic testing for hearing loss, but few provided any assistance towards hearing aids for the hearing impaired. 

Dr. Duncan feels that this is due to new research that shows that many older Americans can live independently for a longer time period than individuals who need and do not receive hearing assistance and therefore need nursing home care.  “New research has also shown a proven link between undiagnosed hearing loss and depression,” notes Dr. Duncan.  “It is more beneficial to the individual as well as the insurance provider to try hearing aids rather than depression medication or assisted living care.” 

There has been a long going battle between those with hearing loss and insurance companies to provide hearing aid benefits.  The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) has worked for years to have hearing aid coverage included in federal health plans.  The organization recently announced that several of the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) insurance plans have expanded their coverage to include coverage of hearing aids for adults.  This is a positive note for all insurers as the FEHB is often seen as a model program that leads the way for others. 

As audiologists who see the needs of their patients being denied on a daily basis, this is welcome news to Dr. Duncan and Dr. Nulph.  “We want to provide our patients with the best options available to them,” states Dr. Nulph, “and the financial assistance they receive from their insurance provider will allow them to make the best choice for their health and not just their budget.” 

Duncan-Nulph Hearing Associates consists of Doctors of Audiology with over 20 years combined experience in diagnosing and treating hearing loss with the latest hearing aid and assisted listening technology. 

For additional information, please contact Nicole Linebaugh at 717-424-4113 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it