How to get Hearing Aid Financial Assistance in the US
Estimates show that around 48 million Americans are hearing impaired and this number is expected to almost double by the year 2060 according to the National Council on Aging. Even more concerning is that the vast majority of adults who need hearing aids have never used them, with fewer than 1 in 3 (30%) people who need hearing aids reporting to use them. In the US, access to free hearing aids vary wildly and in some cases people can’t receive access to free care at all. Therefore, cost is often a barrier for people who are hard of hearing.
If you need hearing aids but are struggling to cover the costs affiliated, below are several ways for you to get hearing aid financial assistance for an improved quality of life.
How much do hearing aids cost?
If you’ve ever thought, “I need a hearing aid but can’t afford it,” know you are not alone. Hearing aids are typically an out of pocket expense reaching into the thousands of dollars—a cost that is prohibitive for many people who need them.
- Hearing aid prices can range from $1,000 to $4,000 per ear, depending on the type of technology used. This cost also includes a consultation and hearing test, the initial fitting, and follow-up adjustments.
- Many devices are over-engineered, resulting in a price bubble in the cost of hearing aids. Hearing aids nowadays are packed full of features that, for most people, offer marginal to no perceived benefit.
- The estimated lifespan of hearing aids is about three to seven years, but may last longer depending on the style and your changing hearing needs. In-the-ear hearing aids are more exposed to sweat, which shortens their lifespans to four to five years. Behind-the-ear hearing systems can be worn for five to six years.
How to qualify for free hearing aids in the US
Unfortunately in the US there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to qualifying for free hearing aids. Support varies from state to state and it often depends on the age of the patient. However, some support is available.
Children with hearing loss
If your child suffers with hearing loss they may qualify for free support and receive hearing assistive technology at no cost if their Individualized Education Program (IEP) specifies they need the assistive technology (such as hearing aids or FM systems) in order to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The IEP assesses Your child’s present level of performance in school and will provide Individualized instruction and related services, such as occupational therapy.
For more information visit see the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
College students/ Workers
For some college students and people of working age you may qualify for hearing aid support from the state vocational rehabilitation agencies. The state vocational rehabilitation agencies offer assistance with hearing aids, assistive technology, and other rehabilitative services.
How to find hearing aid financial assistance
No one should have to struggle to hear the world around them, and miss out on special moments with family and friends simply due to hearing loss. Below, take a look at a variety of resources that can help you afford the hearing aids you need.
1) Government hearing aid assistance
Financial help for hearing aids may be provided by the federal government, but this support can also be limited. The Social Security Administration does not offer support with hearing aids. Medicare, which is the federal health insurance for people 65 or older, doesn’t cover hearing aid units or fitting exams—although some Medicare Advantage Plans do. Inquire by phone or email your local Medicare center to ensure they offer this coverage.
- Medicaid assistance for people with hearing loss varies from state to state. In some states, people with low income might qualify for help. The Hearing Aid Association of America has provided a handy breakdown of what support is offered in each state. Medicaid also has a “medically needy program” which offers temporary support for people with a higher income who require assistance with medical expenses, including hearing aids, this is administered by the county social service agency. Contact your local government’s county social services and request an appointment to determine your eligibility for Medicaid.
- The Veterans Affairs Department provides hearing aid assistance programs for those who qualify. You must also maintain eligibility for VA care to receive these benefits.
2) Hearing aid assistance coverage by state
Hearing aid coverage by state varies, and is dependent on whether your health care insurance policy includes a provision for state-mandated benefits. Only five states—Rhode Island, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Arkansas—require health insurance plans to cover hearing aids for seniors and adults.
Further, these state insurance laws can differ significantly when it comes to the amount covered, benefit periods, and provider qualifications. For example, Connecticut requires policies to cover hearing aids for kids 12 years or younger, while Delaware mandates coverage for everyone under 24.
Some states offer support to help people who are hard of hearing by offering technology to help them hear on the phone. The programs vary in terms of what support they can offer. Some provide free or low-cost telephone equipment to eligible residents. You can see if your state is part of a program on the Telephone Equipment Distribution Program Association (TEDPA) website.
3) Crowdfunding for hearing aids
Crowdfunding can help you afford the hearing aids you need when other options for low-cost hearing aids fall short. With crowdfunding, you can easily raise money for your medical expenses without going through a lengthy application process or waiting period. These top fundraising tips will help you create a successful fundraiser, so you can get back to hearing—and enjoying—life to the fullest. Read on to find out how it works.
- A compelling fundraiser story will help you connect with your audience and local community, inspiring more donations in the process. Another fundraising tip for writing an engaging story is to give readers a full understanding of what you’re going through.
- The most successful fundraisers have a powerful campaign title that summarizes your story and draws the reader in. Catchy titles are more memorable, and can attract more donations and public attention to your campaign.
- Check out these fundraiser sharing tips to help get your cause seen by as many people as possible. The more people know about your fundraiser, the more donations you are likely to receive.
- Follow the eight best practices in this comprehensive medical crowdfunding guide, which walks you through how to create a winning fundraiser from start to finish.
Many people have fundraised on GoFundMe for similar reasons, head to our site to have all your crowdfunding questions answered.
4) Nonprofits that can help with hearing aids
Several nonprofits offer hearing aid assistance for low income households. However, they do have eligibility criteria that you are required to meet when you apply, as well as application deadlines and waiting periods. Some of these organizations also charge a small application fee.
- The HIKE Fund provides hearing aid programs for children under the age of 20 whose parents do not have the extra funds to purchase hearing aids.
- AUDIENT is a nonprofit alliance of suppliers, healthcare professionals, and related groups. They provide hearing aid assistance by making discount hearing aids available for low-income people nationwide.
- Created by the Hearing Charities of America, The National Hearing Aid Project provides hearing aids to low-income individuals. The association also works hard to refurbish and donate hearing aids and perform hearing evaluations.
- The Miracle Ear Foundation provides or low-cost hearing aids to both children and adults alike who can demonstrate a financial need.
- Established in 1984, the Starkey Hearing Foundation delivers community-based hearing healthcare to residents of the US and abroad. They also offer a range of hearing health training programs.
- Travelers Protective Association offers assistance for those who demonstrate a financial need. It offers grants which cover the purchase of hearing aids, assistive listening equipment, or may help with the cost of a cochlear implant.
- Hear Now Program is an application-based program that provides hearing help to low-income Americans. If you are struggling with hearing loss and are unable to afford hearing aids, Hear Now may be able to help.
Hearing aid fundraisers that work
Medical fundraisers can be a powerful tool to find the hearing aid financial assistance you deserve. With fundraising through a crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe, it’s easy for you to find the help you need when you need it. Looking for ideas? Take some inspiration from the people who have done it before:
Braden’s hearing aid awareness
When young Braden’s dog, Chewy, ate his hearing aids, his parents suggested he start a fundraiser to cover the cost of a replacement—and also help others in need. With the help of his parents, Braden created a fundraiser to help the Oticon Hearing Foundation supply hearing aids to people who cannot afford them. Braden raised over $112,000 for the foundation.
Hearing aids for Gerry
Gerry had been struggling with hereditary hearing loss and had looked into getting hearing aids but had found that they were too expensive. Fortunately for Gerry, his friends heard about his struggle and decided to surprise him for his 50th birthday. They raised $10,000 so Gerry could get his hearing aids. This is what Gerry had to say to everyone who donated: “Your generosity has changed my life in ways you cannot imagine. I am now able to fully participate in conversations and activities that were once difficult or impossible for me, including the chirping of birds in the morning”
Find hearing aid financial assistance today
Coping with hearing loss can be difficult, but there are many resources to help you cover the costs of doctor appointments, hearing aids, or even a cochlear implant. With a quality fundraising website, you can quickly access the hearing aids you need to live your best life, from the inconvenience of hearing loss. There is no fee to start your fundraiser, so create yours today.