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Dear Savvy Senior: Are there any organizations you know of that offer low-cost hearing aids to seniors on a very tight budget? -- Hard of Hearing
Dear Hard: Unfortunately, there are millions of United States seniors with hearing loss who go without needed hearing aids because they simply can't afford them. Digital hearing aids are expensive, typically costing between $1,000 and $3,000 per ear, and most insurance companies including Medicare don't cover them.
But there's good news! Today, there are a number of organizations that offer hearing aid assistance programs to help those in need. Most programs have income requirements that you'll need to meet to be eligible, and they all require a hearing evaluation by an audiologist, which in most cases you'll have to pay for yourself. Here's where to look for help.
Lions Clubs Provided by the Lions Clubs International Foundation and offered through many local Lions clubs throughout the U.S., the Lions Club Affordable Hearing Aid Project provides the opportunity to purchase new, behind-the-ear, digital hearing aids manufactured by Rexton for $200 per aid. To be eligible, most clubs will require your income to be below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is less than $21,660 (or $29,140 for a family of two) in 2009. Contact your local Lions Club to see if they participate in this project. To reach your local club, visit LionsClubs.org or call 800-747-4448 to get the number to your state Lions Club office, which can refer you to your community representative. Help America Hear Provided by the Foundation for Sight & Sound and the EarQ Group, this program provides free digital hearing aids to individuals making less than $25,000 per year. All applicants must be referred by an EarQ hearing professional (call 866-432-7500 or see EarQ.com to find one) and pay a $75 nonrefundable application fee. For more information, visit FoundationForSightandSound.org or call 631-366-3461.
HearNow A national nonprofit program and part of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, HearNow provides new digital hearing aids to those in need, for practically free. Your only costs are a hearing test by an audiologist and an application fee of $100 ($200 if you're requesting two hearing aids). To be eligible in the lower 48 states, your income must be under $18,403 (or $24,675 as a couple) with limited assets. To learn more, call 800-328-8602 or visit Sotheworldmayhear.org/hearnow where you can download an application. Sertoma This is a civic service organization that has more than 600 clubs nationwide, some of which collect used hearing aids, have them refurbished, and distribute them to local, low-income seniors in need. Visit www.Sertoma.org or call 816-333-8300 to locate a club in your area. Next month, Sertoma is also launching Hearing Charities of America (HearingCharities.org), an affiliate program that provides hearing aids to those in need who don't live near a participating club. Audient Program This nonprofit service helps people purchase new, digital hearing aids at discounts ranging between 30 percent and 75 percent. To be eligible, your income must be no higher than $27,075 or $36,425 for a family of two (the guidelines in Hawaii and Alaska are higher). Assets are not considered. Go to www.AudientAlliance.org or call 877-283-4368 for more information. Scholarship aid Travelers Protective Association of America offers a scholarship trust fund to help pay for hearing aids to those who need assistance. There are no income or asset qualifications. Applications must be received each year by March 1. To download an application, visit www.tpahq.org or call 314-371-0533. Local organizations Depending on where you live, other programs may be available to you. Check with your Area Aging Agency (973-285-6848 in Morris County) or your state assistive technologies director (see www.ataporg.org for contact info) to find out if there are any city, county or state programs or local nonprofits that can help. Also check the Morris County chapters of service groups such as Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Masons, Optimists, Elks, Easter Seals, United Way and Quota International. They, too, may offer assistance. Savvy Tip The Better Hearing Institute offers a comprehensive listing of hearing aid financial resources at BetterHearing.org — click on "Resources," then on "Financial Assistance." (by dailyrecord.com)
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