There is currently no mandate in the state of Mississippi for insurance companies to cover hearing aids for children. Early amplification and intervention are crucial for children who deaf or hard of hearing. The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, as well as the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program in Mississippi, recommend intervention by 6 months of age for children diagnosed with hearing loss. However, hearing aids can cost as much as $6,000 per pair and must be replaced every 3-5 years. This is the equivalent of roughly $42,000 per child who requires hearing aids before they reach the age of 21 – a hardship for any family regardless of household income.

Please consider joining MSHA’s initiative to pass legislation in Mississippi that would require insurance companies to provide coverage for hearing aids and related services for children under 21 years of age.

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Ashley Grillis ([email protected])

or Dr. Courtney Turner ([email protected])