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Hawaii has enacted a law directing the state to develop a statewide plan on hearing loss. House Bill 1974, signed into law as Act 223 on July 9, 2026, requires the State Health Planning and Development Agency to conduct a statewide assessment and publish a plan for better diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss. The measure appropriates $100,000 for the work.
According to the bill and supporting testimony, the assessment is intended to identify how many people in Hawaii are affected by hearing loss, evaluate current resources, and pinpoint gaps in services. Supporters described the goal as moving the state toward a coordinated, long-term approach rather than reactive responses, particularly as the population ages. Testimony in support came from hearing loss advocates, a Hawaii-based hearing loss nonprofit, and the Alzheimer's Association Hawaii Chapter, which noted research linking untreated hearing loss to increased risk of cognitive decline and social isolation.
The law establishes an assessment and planning process rather than a specific program or benefit. The details of the resulting State Plan, including timelines and specific initiatives, will be determined as the work proceeds. The Hearing Loss Association of America also highlighted the new law in an August 11 blog post here.
Read the law here.
