When was the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act introduced?

The Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act was introduced in 2017. This piece of legislation aimed to create a new class of hearing aids that could be sold over the counter, thereby increasing accessibility and affordability for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The act was intended to address the growing need for hearing assistance solutions, recognizing that many individuals do not seek treatment due to the high costs and accessibility issues associated with traditional hearing aids.

The introduction of the act in 2017 was a significant step in reforming the hearing aid market and providing consumers with more choices. This aligns with the broader trend in healthcare toward increasing consumer access to medical devices and promoting self-management of health conditions. As a result, the correct answer highlights an important milestone in the legislative efforts to improve hearing health care.