Dr. Colette Vossler-Welch on the Unintended Impact of Reese’s Law and Hearing Aid Battery Accessibility
As an audiologist and someone who has lived with profound hearing loss since birth, Dr. Colette Vossler-Welch understands firsthand how essential hearing technology is to daily life. That personal perspective led her to become an active advocate for hearing aid users regarding the unintended impact of Reese’s Law.
Reese’s Law was passed in 2022 following the tragic death of Reese Hamsmith after swallowing a button battery from a remote control. The legislation was designed to improve child safety by requiring more secure battery packaging and battery compartments.
Unfortunately, the law’s implementation created unexpected challenges for many hearing aid users, particularly older adults and individuals with vision loss, arthritis, neuropathy, tremors or limited hand strength.
Why Dr. Vossler-Welch Spoke Out
In February 2025, Dr. Vossler-Welch publicly shared concerns about how the new packaging requirements were affecting patients in her practice and throughout the hearing loss community. She highlighted real-world challenges experienced by hearing aid users, including:
- Difficulty opening battery packaging independently
- Increased risk of cuts and injuries while attempting to access batteries
- Challenges for individuals with low vision or limited dexterity
- Barriers for travelers who may not have access to cutting tools
- Concerns from patients who depend on hearing aids for communication and daily functioning
For many patients, changing a hearing aid battery is not simply a matter of convenience. It is directly connected to their ability to communicate, stay connected with loved ones, remain independent and participate fully in everyday life.
Turning Concerns into Action
Dr. Vossler-Welch has worked to bring patient voices into the conversation. Her advocacy efforts have included:
- Communicating concerns to elected officials
- Engaging professional organizations and industry stakeholders
- Educating patients and community members about the issue
- Gathering feedback from hearing aid users impacted by the packaging requirements
- Encouraging policymakers to consider accessibility alongside safety
Today, patients can sign an in-office petition that is being shared with Wyoming senators and other decision-makers to help ensure the experiences of hearing aid users are heard.
Making a Difference
Advocacy efforts across the hearing healthcare community are beginning to make a difference.
In 2026, the Hearing Loss Association of America reported that manufacturers have responded to consumer feedback by developing more user-friendly hearing aid battery packaging. One major manufacturer introduced redesigned packaging with improved opening methods and clearer instructions, while maintaining child-resistant certification.
While more work remains, these developments demonstrate that patient feedback matters and that thoughtful solutions can support both child safety and accessibility.
Add Your Voice
If you or a loved one has experienced difficulty using hearing aid battery packaging in accordance with Reese’s Law requirements, your story matters.
Sign Our Office Petition
Visit our office to add your signature and help us share patient experiences with policymakers.
Support the National Petition
Join hearing aid users, families and advocates nationwide in calling for accessibility-focused improvements.