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# Disclose ‘Locked’ Hearing Aids: Members of Congress
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/disclose-locked-hearing-aids-members-of-congress/
- Published: 2024-05-29T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T14:31:58.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Devices, #legacy-id-D5157076

A bipartisan group of four senators and 11 members of the House is calling on FDA to strengthen protections for consumers with hearing loss by considering ways to inform them if they are purchasing so-called locked hearing aids. A [letter](https://kevinmullin.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-group-lawmakers-call-upon-fda-help-protect-consumers-hearing-loss?ref=fdaweb.com) to FDA commissioner **Robert Califf** says some hearing aid manufacturers use proprietary or “locked” software that can prevent consumers from having their hearing aids repaired unless they use the original device manufacturer or network-affiliated clinic.

“If the consumer has moved, is traveling when the device breaks, or the company has gone out of business, they may be left without a fully functioning hearing aid or have to purchase a new one,” the lawmakers write. “Because of a lack of disclosure requirements, many consumers are unaware of these possible restrictions when purchasing these costly devices.”

The letter was spearheaded by Rep. **Kevin Mullin** (D-CA) and Sen. **Elizabeth Warren** (D-MA). They are asking that, at a minimum, FDA inform consumers by requiring a disclaimer on the hearing aid label about whether it contains proprietary software and must be repaired or adjusted by the original manufacturer or network-affiliated clinic. The lawmakers say the policy would not prohibit the use of proprietary hearing aid software, but would help ensure that the consumer is notified in writing of the existing parameters.