Financial Assistance - Hearing Loss Association of America (2024)

Children with Hearing Loss

Children with hearing loss might be able to receive hearing assistive technology at no cost if theirIndividualized Education Program (IEP)specifies they need the assistive technology (such as hearing aids or FM systems) in order to receive aFree and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). For more information, see theIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

College Students / Working People

Prospective and current college students and others of working age might qualify for financial assistance for hearing aids, assistive technology, and other rehabilitative services fromstate vocational rehabilitation agencies. If you are working but concerned you could lose your job because of your hearing loss, you might be eligible for services on that basis.

Hearing Aid Banks / Programs

Local agencies serving people with hearing loss might also know about hearing aid banks and other resources, such as clinics that provide services on a sliding scale according to income, state assistive technology loan programs, and state financial assistance programs for children with disabilities.

Some states might also have hearing aid loan programs. For example, theKansas Infant/Toddler Hearing Aid Loan Bank is a short-term hearing aid loan program for children up to three years old who have been newly identified with a hearing loss.

Medicaid

In some states, people with low income might qualify forhearing aids through Medicaid. People with higher income may temporarily qualify for assistance with medical expenses, including hearing aids, through the “medically needy program” 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.

State Telephone Programs

State telephone equipment programs can be found at theTelephone Equipment Distribution Program Association (TEDPA). These programs vary widely in what they provide and eligibility requirements. Some provide free or low-cost telephone equipment to eligible residents.

Veterans

Veteransof military service might qualify for assistance with hearing aids and other rehabilitative services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Contact the medical facility for the appropriate branch of the military.

Reduced cost assistive listening systems for retired and active-duty military service members and their families –In an effort to improve the quality of life for those who serve our country, Williams Sound has proudly partnered with the Military Audiology Association (MAA) to offer the Retiree Assistive Listening Devices (RALD) program to both retired and active-duty military service members and their families. The RALD program was created to provide these individuals access to assistive listening devices (ALDs) at a reduced cost, along with free personalized telephone support. For more information on RALD, please visitWilliams Sound orMilitary Audiology Association.

Workplace

In many situations, organizations, government agencies, educational institutions and employers are required by federal or state law to provide auxiliary aids and services for communication access (but not hearing aids). Some of these situations are: employers with 15 or more employees, hotels, hospitals, senior centers and residential facilities. If you are inquiring about communication assistance in one of these situations, call the ADA National Network at 800.949.4232 for more information or visit their website at ADATA.

Resources

Many local civic organizations, such as theKiwanis or Lions Clubs, might be able to provide financial assistance to purchase or acquire hearing aids and other assistive devices.The following are national or state resources for assistance.