Hearing loss is a common issue nowadays especially in older people hearing loss is a major concern. These aids have a wide variety of price ranges. Depending upon the type of hearing aid they can be very expensive sometimes. A Consumer Report’s Hearing Aid Guide showed that you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $6,000 for a pair of custom-made hearing aids. Not everyone can afford such a high price tag. According to a research data analysis , around one in three Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 experience some level of hearing loss.
The hearing loss that occurs gradually over time and is related to age mainly is known as presbycusis. The first step for financial assistance resources for hearing aids is to check with your health care insurance provider to find out if they carry hearing aid coverage.
The question is how do you pay for a good hearing aid when you don’t afford them? So let’s explore some options here:
1- Audiologist
The first place to start looking for assistance is your audiologist. Ask if he or she knows of any local nonprofit organizations that help seniors suffering from hearing loss obtain hearing aids for low-income adults at no charge. Local nonprofits are also beneficial and provide grants based on individual needs.
2- Audient
Audient is a nonprofit hearing care company working in the USA . It provides assistance in accessing a good quality hearing aid at relatively lower prices. They provide significant discounts. The hearing aids are digital and manufactured by top manufacturers. Those looking for assistance can call their toll free number 1-866-956-5400, extension 2 and ask for AUDIENT.
3- Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America provides information about a number of financial aid assistance programs available to needy individuals, including the elderly. Although the association does not supply individuals with hearing aids, it acts as a repository of up-to-date information about a number of financial aid options including those for veterans and through Medicaid.
4- Miracle-Ear Foundation
This program gives great assistance to needy people with hearing loss. One should meet their eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the program. Your application will be reviewed on the basis of income, assets and hearing loss. You can fill out the application and submit it to your local Miracle-Ear store.
5- Starkey Hearing Foundation
The Starkey Hearing Foundation provides hearing aids for people with low income under their HEAR Now program. The program provides hearing-aid assistance to those who have no other resources.They operate in the USA as well as internationally. You can call them to speak with a consultant . Once you have details , you can download and fill out an application.
6- Chicago Hearing Society
The Chicago Hearing Society has been helping senior citizens with hearing loss since 1916. Among other services, they offer hearing-aid assistance to the hearing impaired and deaf in the Chicago area.
7- Trial Programs
You can ask for a trial by taking part in the trial program voluntarily. Contact hearing aid manufacturers . They often seek individuals to help test their new hearing aid models.
8- Hearing Aid Resources
You can also check into additional resources at the Hearing Aid Project. There are different resources:
– National Resources
– State Resources
– International resources
If you are not eligible for any of those programs, you may be able to qualify for hearing aid assistance through the National Hearing Aid Project.
9- Deaf Friends International
Deaf Friends International provides hearing-aid assistance. They majorly work by matching donors and individuals around the world.
10- Veteran’s Affairs
If you are veteran of the US armed forces you may qualify for financial assistance from the VA. You must register for assistance at the health administration , after registration you can request a referral to an audiologist from your assigned VA Primary Care Provider. The audiologist will complete an evaluation and determine if you need hearing aids. If you qualify, your hearing aids, repairs and batteries will be provided at no charge to you.
11- Social service organizations
Other service organizations often offer financial assistance for hearing health for low-income residents in their respective communities. They have different eligibility criteria . So, contact the local clubs in your community to see if you qualify.
12- Medicaid
If you have low income, you may qualify for hearing aids through Medicaid. To find out if your state participates and if you qualify, visit the Medicaid website.
Conclusion
As we already discussed, insurance companies do not provide hearing aids. However, the resources listed here are a great place to start when researching affordable hearing aids . It’s so fortunate that there are many foundations, clubs, and associations that are offering help for those who are suffering hearing loss but can’t afford hearing aids.
[1] Military.com. “Eligibility for VA Provided Hearing Aids.”
[2] Mroz, Mandy. “Hearing Aid Prices – How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?” Healthy Hearing. July 25, 2019.
[3] Probasco, James R. “How to Get Free Hearing Aids for the Elderly.” LoveToKnow.
[4] “So the World May Hear.” Starkey Hearing Foundation.
