Articles - Financial assistance for hearing aids at any stage of life
11th April 2021

Financial assistance for hearing aids at any stage of life

An estimated 35 million Americans are hearing impaired, and that number is expected to grow to 40 million by 2025. Even more alarming, the vast majority - a staggering 86% - of people who need hearing aids cannot afford them, even with health insurance.If you need hearing aids but are struggling to cover the associated costs, listed below are a few ways you can get financial help for them and to improve your quality of life.

How much do hearing aids cost?

If you've ever thought, "I need a hearing aid, but I can't afford it," know that you're not alone in this problem. Hearing aids are typically an expense that runs into the thousands of leva - a cost that is prohibitive for many people who need them.

  • Hearing aid prices can range from $1,000 to $6,000 per ear in America, depending on the type of technology used. This cost also includes a consultation and hearing test, initial fitting, and follow-up adjustments.
  • For many years, the average cost of hearing aids was $1,000, but with the relatively recent introduction of digital signal processing technology, prices have risen since 2000. Most hearing aid manufacturers introduce new technology every six months, which also contributes to their price increase.
  • Many devices are over-technological, leading to a price bubble in the cost of hearing aids. Nowadays, hearing aids are packed with features that offer little or no benefit to most people.
  • A relatively small group of companies controls the hearing aid market - six of them own 90% of the market share, so consumer choice is extremely limited. Many hearing aids are sold bundled with audiology fees and services that account for two-thirds of the price of hearing aids.
  • The life expectancy of hearing aids is about three to seven years, but can last longer depending on style and changing hearing needs. In-the-ear hearing aids are more heavily exposed to sweat, shortening their life to four to five years. In-the-ear hearing systems can be worn for five to six years.

Financial aid coverage for hearing aids by country

Hearing aid coverage varies from state to state and depends on whether your health 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 the elderly and aged.

In addition, insurance laws in these states can vary widely in terms of the amount covered, benefit periods, and provider qualifications. For example, Connecticut requires policies to cover hearing aids for children 12 years old or younger, while Delaware mandates coverage for everyone under age 24.

How do I find financial assistance for hearing aids?

No one should be hindered or prevented from hearing the world around them and missing out on special moments with family and friends simply because of hearing loss. Below, take a look at various resources that can help you afford the hearing aids you need.

Public Assistance for Hearing Aids

Financial assistance for hearing aids may be available from the government, but this assistance may also be limited. For example, the basic Medicare program doesn't cover hearing aids or fitting exams, although some Medicare Advantage plans do. Ask by phone or email your local Medicare center to make sure they offer this coverage.

Hearing aid coverage through Medicaid depends on which state you live in - for America. Some states offer no coverage, while others offer coverage with certain restrictions - and only if you qualify

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides hearing aid assistance programs for those who qualify. To receive these benefits, you must also maintain your eligibility for care from the VA.

Organizations that can help with hearing aids

Several nonprofit organizations offer hearing aid assistance for low-income households. However, they have eligibility criteria that you must meet when applying, 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 an alliance of providers, healthcare professionals and affiliated groups. They provide hearing aid assistance by providing discounted hearing aids to low-income people across the country.
  • 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 restore and donate hearing aids and perform hearing evaluations.
  • The Miracle Ear Foundation provides low-cost hearing aids to children and adults who can demonstrate financial need.
  • Founded in 1984, Starkey Hearing Foundation provides community-based hearing health care to residents of the United States and abroad. They also offer a number of hearing health education programs.

Charitable fundraising (crowdfunding) to fund people who need hearing aids

Crowdfunding can help you afford the hearing aids you need when other low-cost hearing aid options fall short. With crowdfunding, you can easily raise money for your medical expenses without going through a long application or waiting process. These recommendations from Pavel Andreev will help you to organise a successful fundraising campaign so that you can get back to hearing and enjoying life to the full.

  • A compelling fundraising story will help you connect with your audience and local community, thereby inspiring more donations. Another fundraising tip for writing a compelling story is to give readers a full picture of what you are experiencing.

Check out our article How to Write Your Fundraising Story: 12 Helpful Tips or similar on our blog.

  • The most successful fundraising campaigns have a strong campaign headline that sums up your story and draws the reader in. Memorable headlines are more memorable and can attract more donations and public attention to your campaign.

Check out our Guide to Successful Fundraising.

  • Check out these fundraising tips to help get your cause seen by as many people as possible. The more people know about your fundraising campaign, the more donations you're likely to get.

Start a campaign now on PavelAndreev.ORG.

Find financial help to buy hearing aids today.

Coping with hearing loss can be difficult, but there are many ways that can help you cover the cost of doctor visits, hearing aids, or even a cochlear implant. With a quality fundraising website like PavelAndreev.ORG, you can quickly gain access to the hearing aids you need to live your best life without the inconvenience of hearing loss. Contact me and we'll get your campaign started right away.

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