[Harp-L] FSA and Musician's Ear Plugs/Monitors

[Bill Hines <billhines4@xxxxxxxxx>]

The IRS allows you to take money out of your paycheck 'pre-tax' here in 
the US, as long as it is spent on allowable medical-related expenses. 
This is known as a 'flexible spending account' or FSA. I have about $300 
in mine and it has to be used soon (either end of year or march, I have 
to check the organization that manages this for the employer).

anyway, i see as an allowable expense 'hearing aids' 
(http://www.irs.gov/publications/p502/ar02.html#en_US_publink1000178940) 
and it's not clear whether this would include the type worn by musicians 
as either just volume filters to protect hearing or even in-ear monitors.

Has anyone been down this road or know for sure in either case? I know 
they've been discussed here before, but even if you don't know the 
answer to that question can I get a few recommendations? Thanks!

Bill