U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren wants to make some types of hearing aids available over the counter.
The Massachusetts Democrat has introduced a bill with Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley that would lift what she described as burdensome requirements needed to obtain hearing aids.
Warren said about 30 million Americans experience age-related hearing loss, but only 14 percent use hearing aids, often because they can't afford them.
The bill would allow hearing aids intended to be used by adults with mild to moderate hearing loss be sold over the counter and end the requirement that people get a medical evaluation or sign a waiver first.
Out-of-pocket costs for a single hearing aid average around $2,400. Warren said shoppers could look for better deals if they were sold over the counter.
