Hearing loss is one of the most common ailments among seniors. Age-related hearing loss, or Presbycusis, affects around 1 and 3 individuals over the age of 65. The problem worsens as you age, and close to half of those 75 and above become hard of hearing.
Hearing aids are a common solution to this, as they amplify sounds and make them clearer to wearers. However, these devices can be quite pricey and unaffordable for those who may need them most. As such, we’ve put together a list of some ways seniors can get free hearing aids:
Since hearing loss is one of the most prevalent service-related injuries for veterans in the US, the Veterans Health Administration offers healthcare coverage related to this. If you are eligible for VA’s general healthcare, you will also be eligible for audiology care. This includes access to hearing aids, hearing evaluations, implants, tinnitus treatment, and more.
If you are eligible, you will receive full coverage for the hearing aids. However, depending on your income, you may have to pay a certain sum for copayments for the fitting and evaluation. Hearing aids are all of good quality, from brands like Widex, Signia, Starkey, Oticon, Phonak, and ReSound.
The Miracle-Ear Foundation has a Gift of Sound program that offers hearing support and hearing aids for those with limited incomes who cannot afford to seek professional help for their hearing needs.
If you pass all of the requirements, from having a hearing loss that requires aids to having a total household income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines — and more — you will have to pay a $150 application fee to be eligible for your hearing aids.
The Lions Club International Affordable Hearing Aid Project (Lions AHAP) partners with hearing care specialists and professionals to service individuals who cannot afford to get proper help for their hearing needs.
To be eligible for Lions AHAP, you must have limited income below or at 200% of the poverty level, have been denied federal or state assistance, and cannot access commercial hearing aids in the market. Rexton supplies Lions AHAP with hearing aids and will send the packet and hearing aids needed as determined through testing.
If you have limited income and think that you need financial assistance for your hearing needs, be sure to check out some of these resources that can provide you with free hearing aids. Contact Senior Strong today for more tips on seniors’ health and wellness!
