I frequently read about all the research on mice, and genetics and all we are learning that eventually will lead to reversing hearing loss. How do hearing aid manufacturers feel about that research? Is it perceived as a threat to be lobbied against - in which case they must be celebrating all the budget cuts to research - or are they truly concerned with the future of reversing hearing loss and speaking up against the government cuts and if so should members of this forum be doing anything to help? I understand it is still a ways off… but suppose we fast forward thirty years - will looking back show todays cuts have delayed progress or that increased investments in research these days had led to those results in the future?
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My feeling is definitely YES. I am concerned that if we remain silent our world (hearing) will become much more silent. All health research is important but some of it seems more personal and therefore more important. It affects everyone.
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I’m more concerned about Trump nominating people who are obviously ignorant, or purposefully anti-science concerning the government agencies that they will run. The cuts to reasearch is scary enough when the people who he placed in charge don’t believe in science or ignore the facts that scientific research develops. The hearing aid manufacturers are probably not too concerned that they will lose business due to research into hearing restorations. However, we should be all concerned about the tariffs that Trump wants to impose on our friends. Up until yesterday, Trump’s tariff policies have caused the stock market to crater and possibly take the entire economy along with it. Elections have consequences, this last one my just end our democracy.
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To quote the late Rep. John Lewis, “Make good trouble.” Yes, make as much noise to your House and Senate members, particularly those in the GOP, as possible. If any are still brave enough to hold a town hall, show up and voice your opinion. Put them on the spot about research cuts and the downstream impact it will have on future breakthroughs.
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Unfortunately, living in Texas is like living in MAGA heaven. A Democrat hasn’t won a statewide election since the early 1990s. It’s hard to make any noise, good or not when you’re the only one in the room. Hopefully, many who voted for this mess will soon have buyer’s remorse and in two years vote them out. That’s if there will still be elections.
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