The desire of most seniors to live in their homes can backfire when it comes to loneliness, one expert told the committee.
“Living independently can lead to [a senior] becoming nearly entirely isolated over time,” said Mark Clark, head of the Area Agency on Aging serving Tucson, Ariz.
Exacerbating the problem, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) is that more than two-thirds of people in their 70s have hearing loss that is often undiagnosed and untreated.
Though hearing aids have improved, they can cost $2,000 apiece (and often two are needed). That has put them out of reach for many of the elderly.
Warren has introduced legislation to try to bring the price down by allowing some hearing aids to be sold over-the-counter.