Why it Matters

The hearing aid giant is doubling down on federal advocacy after ending its external lobbying contract. Sonova USA Inc. reported $140,000 in Q3 2025 lobbying expenses through its in-house team. The company terminated its partnership with Crowell & Moring LLP after paying the firm $320,000 over 18 months.

By the Numbers

Sonova has spent $2.14 million on federal lobbying since 2021:

  • In-house lobbying: $1.82 million across 20 filings
  • External firm: $320,000 to Crowell & Moring (2024-2025)
  • Total filings: 28 disclosures over four years

The Q3 filing didn’t specify individual lobbyists or legislation being targeted.

Broader Context

Congress is showing unprecedented bipartisan support for hearing healthcare expansion. Multiple bills aim to add hearing benefits to Medicare and improve veterans’ access. The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee held a hearing in January examining seniors’ access to breakthrough medical technologies.

The Agenda

Sonova consistently lobbies on four key areas across its filings:

  • Medicare and Medicaid coverage for hearing aids and cochlear implants
  • Veterans’ hearing healthcare through VA programs
  • Trade policies affecting global manufacturing and supply chains
  • Over-the-counter hearing aid regulations

The company’s advocacy directly aligns with pending congressional legislation.

Competitive Landscape

Sonova operates within a robust lobbying ecosystem. The Hearing Industries Association uses both in-house staff and Vogel Group LLC for advocacy. Competitor Amplifon (USA) Inc. hired Thorn Run Partners for Medicare and FDA issues. Starkey Hearing Technologies works with Petrizzo Group Inc. on federal employee coverage.

Between The Lines

Legislative momentum is building across party lines. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Rep. Debbie Dingell champion the H.R.500 – Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act. Sen. Bernie Sanders pushes broader Medicare expansion through H.R.2045 and companion bills S.2084 and S.939.

The bipartisan H.R.4606 – Ally’s Act would mandate private insurance coverage for cochlear implants. Rep. Tom Barrett champions the Veterans Hearing Health Expansion Act, targeting VA community care expansion.

Sen. Chuck Grassley celebrates his Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act’s success. Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Sen. Tommy Tuberville pushed the VA Secretary on OTC hearing aid access for veterans.

The Bottom Line

With bipartisan support growing and multiple relevant bills advancing, the hearing aid manufacturer’s sustained investment in federal advocacy appears well-timed.

All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!

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