This law would actually impose unneeded government restrictions on the otc aids. It makes no attempt to lower the thousands of dollars cost of ‘prescription’ aids.
How ya figure? "Current law prohibits over-the-counter personal sound amplification performance systems (PSAPs) from making any claim to treat hearing loss. The Food and Drug Administration, which regulates hearing aids, places prohibitions on advertising for these cheaper devices [...] Under the new law PSAPS could be marketed and sold as a more affordable hearing aid alternative to people with hearing loss."
It makes no attempt to lower the thousands of dollars cost of ‘prescription’ aids.
Facilitating greater use of OTC amplifiers will indirectly put downward pressure on the price of prescription aids. I agree that an even better answer is to lower regulations on the latter.