Hearing aid programs for seniors

This arm of the VA addresses current healthcare needs; it does not establish service connection for any injuries or disabilities you may have incurred during your service.

You can apply online or over the phone. You'll need your DD and health insurance cards. Once you are deemed eligible for general VA healthcare, you are automatically eligible for audiology care, including hearing evaluations, hearing aids, assistive hearing technologies, and even cochlear implants if you need them. The VHA also provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for tinnitus.

Batteries, consumable supplies like wax guards, and follow-up care are also provided. If you are eligible but already bought hearing aids elsewhere, you can register them with the VA and then get these supplies at no cost. The VA contract also covers accessories like Bluetooth streamers, advanced remote microphones, and even specialized alerting systems that ensure you hear important alerts like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

We recommend finding your nearest VA facility to discuss hearing aid benefits with a local representative in person or over the phone. They can help you navigate finding treatment and exploring possible coverage for your hearing loss. If you feel your hearing loss is due to your military service, you will need to open a claim with the Veterans Benefits Administration.

If you are eligible for VHA healthcare, you do not need a service connection for hearing loss or tinnitus to get hearing aids from the VA. In the U. Some states may cover hearing assessments and maintenance, while other states cover the entire device. Unfortunately, some states don't offer any Medicaid coverage for hearing services and devices, leaving some low-income seniors to pay out of pocket.

To find out what you qualify for, we recommend contacting your state's Medicaid office to learn more. Also, the Hearing Loss Association of America provides a comprehensive list of what each state covers. If you discover that hearing aids aren't covered by Medicaid in your state, or you're not eligible for Medicaid, no reason to lose hope. You may be able to take advantage of one of the other resources below!

Vocational rehabilitation helps people who have disabilities get or keep a job. If you are an older adult who has yet to retire and need hearing aids to perform your job duties or obtain employment, you may be able to receive a hearing aid through your state's vocational rehabilitation program. Seniors can see if their state offers hearing aid coverage and if they qualify for vocational rehabilitation services by contacting their state office.

Many agencies and foundations at the national and state levels provide assistance to seniors in purchasing hearing aids. For seniors seeking financial hearing aid assistance, it is just a matter of contacting these foundations and filling out any necessary applications to see if you qualify for help. It can take some time, but if it saves you thousands of dollars, we think it is worth it! For a list of financial assistance options, visit HearingLoss.

You may also find an option through the list provided by the Hearing Aid Project at the state or national level. Some major hearing aid companies, like Miracle-Ear and Starkey , have established foundations to provide hearing aids to people who need them but may not be able to afford them. You can visit the Miracle-Ear Foundation and Starkey Hearing Foundation websites to fill out an application and see if you qualify for assistance from them.

Most private insurance plans cover hearing assessments and hearing aid fittings, but it is rare for health insurance to completely cover hearing aids. You may have a copay or have to pay completely out of pocket for the hearing devices. Some plans may contract with a certain hearing aid provider to get you a discounted price, so you might get a better deal on a high-quality hearing aid by using the provider your insurance plan has contracted with. Plans vary greatly, so it is important to call your provider and make sure you know the details of your plan.

Here are some important questions we suggest you ask when speaking with a representative:. Also, ask for your benefits to be sent to you in writing via mail or email. This will make sure you know exactly what you have coverage for and hold your insurance provider accountable. Some Medicare Advantage plans provide hearing aid coverage, while others don't. If you are inquiring about communication assistance in one of these situations, call the ADA National Network at Many local civic organizations, such as the Kiwanis 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. There are a variety of organizations that offer financial assistance for hearing aids. These organizations will assess your situation and income to determine what financial benefits they will provide.

Other organizations will set up a loan program for you to more easily pay for the technology over time. Download Guide. Although it is located at the University of North Carolina, families are welcomed and encouraged to receive their hearing aid fitting and care locally. They can also provide assistance with cochlear implant costs.

Box Albany, NY Box Smithtown, NY Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation The Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation provides hearing aid assistance for approximately 1, low-income Georgia residents every year. The Lighthouse partners with hearing providers across the state, four hearing aid manufacturers, and multiple other health organizations to provide these services. The program is funded in large part by the Georgia Public Service Commission.

Help Kids Hear Founded by parents of children with hearing loss, they are dedicated to helping parents find the information and resources for their children with hearing loss. Hike Fund, Inc. Provides low-income children from birth up to the age of 20 with hearing aids and assistive devices. John Tracy Clinic The John Tracy Clinic provides parent-centered services worldwide to young children with hearing loss, offering hope, guidance and encouragement.

Lions Club International Assists individuals on low income with purchasing hearing aids. Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation of Southern California Helps people who meet their guidelines to obtain critically needed hearing aids. If the applicant meets the guidelines, LSH will fund or share in the cost of providing hearing aids to the applicant, dispensed through a local hearing aid dispensary.

In some cases LSH may also cover copay costs for those with insurance. Visit a Miracle-Ear store to learn about eligibility or to apply. National Hearing Aid Project Provides hearing aids and hearing health services to low-income individuals. Email: Lila Jackson, ljackson sertomahq. Optimist International Provides aids and services to children with hearing loss.

Starkey Hearing Foundation Provides hearing aid assistance for individuals on low-income in the U. Grants may be used to purchase hearing aids, assistive listening equipment, or may help with the cost of a cochlear implant.

Applies to U. Louis, MO