Family member with new hearing loss issue.

@pml Depending on where you live, there are options. For instance my HLAA Chapter in PA provides refurbished hearing aids to low income recipients. The key is finding an audiologist willing to volunteer their time to fit the hearing aid. But Nationally you should look for a Sertoma Chapter. Sertoma is a large non-profit out of Missouri I believe with Chapters all over the country. I met with one of their volunteers at a recent Hearing :Loss Expo in Harrisburg PA. They have a used hearing aid program where they will try to hook you up with an audiologist in their national network. The other great program they run is to give free smoke alarm systems to hard of hearing individuals who apply. Look them up and see if they are nearby. Good luck.

MikePA

Is she on Medicaid? I think that covers hearing. Check for hearing teaching hospitals they may help. Costco has an sells hearing aids at reasonable prices

Yes, I believe medicaid in some states will cover them, so best checking there first.
Here is a short list of 3 organizations I’m aware of.
Hearing Charities of America https://hearingcharities.org/
Hearing the Call https://hearingthecall.org
Starkey Cares https://www.starkey.com/starkeycares

In Southeastern PA we are working through the process of collecting used hearing aids and having them refurbished to be used by HCOA in having them placed to those in need.
I’ve attached the Help4Hearing flyer if that’s helpful.

@mikepa
Thank you for this information! I'll pass it onto my family member. We'll look up Sertoma. That's also nice that they give out free smoke alarms.
PML

@judysmayo
Judy,
That is so nice of you! I'll give the information about the three organizations to her and also the helpful attachment. I don't know if she is on Medicaid but will let her know that they may help if she's on it. This is a blessing!
PML

@gailelease1
Thank you for the tips about Medicaid, hearing teaching hospitals and Costco! I'll pass that onto her.
PML

You are getting good information. A lot depends on an individual's personal situation and geographical location.

Is your family member in the work place? If so, Vocational Rehabilitation in the state may be another option. Another option would be to contact your state's Office for Deaf & Hard of Hearing. Those departments/agencies vary in name, but you can likely find something via Google.

Costco was mentioned. They do have quality hearing aids for about 1/3 the cost of many other providers. However, I suggest s/he have testing for hearing loss done by a doctor of audiology to get a copy of the audiogram (results), so the hearing loss degree is determined. That way the hearing instrument specialists at Costco will have professional test results to compare their testing with.

What kind of 'doctor' recommended hearing aids?

@pml JudysMayo used the initials HCOA - they are actually the subsidiary of Sertoma that handles providing refurbished hearing aids. So either name might pop up.

Thanks Judy!
MikePA

@judysmayo great info. Thank you

@julieo4
Thank you for the good information! I'll pass it on to her. I think it was her primary doctor that reccomended hearing aids but I'm not sure.
PML