Access to hearing aids can be challenging for older adults for two main reasons: they may have limited income and they may not know all the programs that are actually available to them. Both of these can cause older adults to not get the help they need soon enough.
To help those in need find support now, we’ve listed some great hearing aid resources below. Each resource provides transparent eligibility and application information, and even gives details into the other services that are available along with the physical hearing aids.
If you have Medicaid, you might be surprised to learn that you may be eligible for hearing aid coverage! Medicaid coverage of hearing aids varies by state, meaning that depending on where you are, you might get some or all costs associated with hearing aids or services paid for. Because states can revise coverage rules often, you’ll want to check your state’s Medicaid website often to understand how updates can affect your needs.
If you don’t have Medicaid yet, you can learn how to apply for the program here.
Lions Club International offers a program called Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project (Lions AHAP). Through the program, Lions partner up with hearing care professionals to provide support to those who can’t afford hearing aids. One of the best parts about this program is that it isn’t limited to the hearing aids themselves — you can also get assistance with ear molds, fittings, routine check ups, and much more.
To find out more about the program and to see if you’re eligible, you can find your local Lions Club here, or contact Lions AHAP at (630) 203-3837 or LionsAHAP@lionsclub.org.
The Help America Hear Program provides new, high-quality hearing aids to people who have already exhausted all resources and can’t afford hearing support on their own. Because the program has quite a few eligibility requirements and rules, you will want to read up on them first before spending time with your application.
Fortunately, you can check out all the eligibility requirements here, request an application from this same page, and even see the hearing aid providers that the program works with!
The Miracle-Ear Foundation has offered their Gift of Sound program to those in need of hearing aids for over 30 years. Besides providing hearing aids, the program helps people have access to the same 3-year warranty as traditional customers, aftercare, and routine check-ins.
By starting on the foundation’s eligibility page here, you can check out their in-depth requirements and see a step-by-step application process.
When applying to any of the above programs, or other sources that you might find, you’ll want to remember that the application process can take time. So, to streamline the process for yourself and to ensure that you get the support you need in a timely manner, you’ll need to have the following information available before you get started:
While these are standard of what you’ll need to apply, you might also need additional documentation depending on the program. If you need help with applying, don’t hesitate to ask a family member or friend, or contact a specific program to see if they have a representative that can assist you.
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