There are millions of seniors in the country who wear hearing aids. It is common that as we age, our hearing begins to diminish some. Whether or not people will need to wear hearing aids is something that needs to be discussed with their doctor. Those who need to wear hearing aids may have a difficult time purchasing them if their health insurance plan doesn’t cover them. It’s good to know where to turn for free hearing aids for seniors.
Purchasing hearing aids can be costly. They range in price from $2,000 to more than $7,000, depending on the style and brand that you purchase. For many seniors who are living on a fixed income, this can be a challenge. They may not have the extra funds in their budget to buy hearing aids. Rather than do without them and not hearing well, seniors should contact programs that provide free hearing aids to see if they qualify for the assistance.
Obtaining free hearing aids will help ensure seniors are able to obtain the tools they need to keep hearing. The programs that provide them free hearing aids for seniors include those provided by the government, as well as from organizations that seek to help those in need.
Programs to Contact for Free Hearing Aids
Since not all seniors have the extra funds to purchase hearing aids, it is important to know about the programs listed below. Contact as many as you feel are a good fit for situation, so you can get the help you need and be able to hear better.
211 – This is the number to a free referral service provided by the organization called the United Way. You can call this number to inquire about programs that will help you get hearing aids in your area. They will look in their database to find programs they can refer you to. The service is available around the country and available to anyone who needs assistance. To get more information about the program, click here.
Medicaid – This is a healthcare program provided by the federal government. It is available to everyone in the country who is under the age of 65, has a low wage, and is a citizen or legal non-citizen. If you meet the criteria to get approved for the program, you will get free hearing aids and a range of other healthcare options. There is no limit to how long you can use this program if you continue to meet the requirements. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This program is similar to the Medicaid program listed above. It is provided by the federal government, only it is for people who are age 65 and up, and there are no income requirements to be approved for it. This program is available to everyone who meets the age and citizenship requirements. The program will help you pay for a wide range of healthcare costs, including hearing aids. To get more information and apply for Medicare, click here.
Veteran’s Administration – This government agency will provide people with free hearing aids and hearing aid batteries. To qualify, you have to be a veteran, provide the necessary documentation, and complete the forms. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Easter Seals – This organization helps people who have disabilities, providing support where they need it. Those in need of free hearing aids can contact the organization to see if they can get approved for it. To get more information and contact them for assistance, click here.
Hearing Aid Project – This organization provides people with hearing aid assistance. They have resources in different states as well as international assistance. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Miracle-Ear Foundation – This organization has a program to help people get free hearing aids. To qualify, you have to have a low income and have exhausted all other possible sources to purchase them. To apply, you have to pay a $200 application fee. Be sure to read over the qualifications first to ensure you meet them prior to paying the application fee and see if you qualify to get the hearing aids for free. To get more information, click here.
St. Vincent de Paul – This organization has locations around the country. They provide a range of helpful services to those who need it. They will help people obtain various healthcare tools, and may provide assistance to obtain free hearing aids. Contact the locations in your area to see if they provide this type of assistance. If they do not, they may be able to refer you to a place in the area that does. To get more information about the organization, click here.
Lion’s Club – This organization helps people obtain hearing aids, as well as prescription glasses if they cannot afford to purchase them and don’t have insurance coverage for them. To get assistance, you have to contact your local Lion’s Club to inquire and apply for the program. To find a Lion’s Club in your area, click here.
Starkey Hearing Foundation – This foundation helps people around the world to obtain free hearing aids. Their goal is to give the gift of hearing to all those in need, no matter which country they live in. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Additional Options
In addition to the programs listed above, you can reach out to your local churches to see if any would be willing to help you get free hearing aids. Many churches have programs in place to help the people in their community. You do not have to be a member of the church to contact them for assistance. Their programs are typically open to everyone in the community. Most cities also have a health department that you can contact to see if they have a program in place that can help or if they can refer you to a program that will help you get the hearing aids.