Financial Assistance and Resources for People With Hearing Loss

There are around 48 million Americans experiencing hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. Hearing loss affects physical, emotional and mental health. It can also impact an individual’s education and employment. Hearing aids may help address some of these daily life challenges. However, the high cost of hearing aids makes them inaccessible to many.

Fortunately, various resources provide financial, medical and educational assistance to people with hearing loss. For instance, some health insurance providers offer benefit plans for the hearing impaired. Additionally, there are policies in place to prevent discrimination.

Technological advances to create better hearing aids and the introduction of various policies to fight discrimination like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps people who are hard of hearing or deaf have a better quality of life. That said, those individuals still face many challenges in their daily lives. These include their employment rate, workplace experience, education and communication. The disability may also affect the individual psychologically.

There are different benefits that a person who is hearing impaired or deaf may be eligible for. You can check available financial assistance and grants from government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Depending on the health care insurance provider, you may also be entitled to receive significant discounts or special offers.

Low-income individuals and families may find it hard to get proper treatment and assistive devices because of high costs. To help address this issue and ensure that people in need get access to health care services, the government offers various benefits. Depending on the program, there are eligibility requirements. Make sure you do your research to ensure that you’re qualified. Here are some resources you may want to check out.

• Social Security Administration: The SSA has two types of social security disability assistance programs — the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
• Medicaid: Low-income families, qualified pregnant women, eligible children and people receiving SSI may apply for Medicaid to help with healthcare expenses.
• Medicare: Individuals aged 65 or older and people with disabilities or qualified diseases may be eligible for Medicare. Depending on the plan, you may get coverage with a $0 premium. The Original Medicare may not have options for hearing aids or exams related to hearing aids, but Medicare Advantage may have coverage. If the person is eligible, there may be coverage for hearing evaluations, cochlear implant surgeries, or bone-anchored hearing aid surgeries. Check with your Medicare representative.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: This agency offers various benefits to veterans and their families. Among these is the Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Services, which can help veterans with hearing loss or tinnitus.

Communication can be challenging for people who are hard of hearing. The Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED) program helps by providing free or low-cost telephone equipment. Each state runs its own telephone program. Thus, the eligibility requirements, funding sources and how the equipment is provided may vary. The Hearing Loss Association of America lists state programs with website links.

Each state also has a designated department, division or office to help people who are hearing impaired or deaf. You can find different programs, such as employment opportunities, independent living services, training assistance, health and safety services, counseling and assistive technology resources. For a complete list of state agencies, visit the National Association of State Agencies of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing website.

Many nonprofit organizations, local and international, serve people who are hearing impaired or deaf. Depending on your needs, you may find charities offering financial support. There are also those focusing on teaching sign language. Some provide hearing aids. You may also find other valuable resources and learning tools.

You can start your search by looking for local charities specifically serving your community. Another option is to see if national nonprofits offer support in your area. Below are some of them.

• American Association of People With Disabilities: Learn about your rights. Find laws and policies created for people with disabilities.
• National Association of the Deaf: Find information and advocacy support for people who are hard of hearing. Learn about various issues like educational rights and access to housing and hospitals.
• American Society for Deaf Children: Families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing may find support and information to help them raise their children. Access resources for learning ASL and determine if your child is qualified for a scholarship.

One of the financial resources people who are hearing impaired should check is their health care insurance coverage. Find out if hearing aids and other assistive technology equipment are covered. You may also be eligible for special offers and discounts depending on the health care provider.

• The Marketplace: People with disabilities should indicate their disability when applying for insurance through the Marketplace. This may qualify you for Medicaid or help in paying for your coverage.
• Private Insurance Companies: Some insurance providers may provide coverage for hearing aids. Check with insurance agents and compare your options.
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Find out about the different insurance mandates per state for insurance plans and hearing aids. Learn about state requirements and see if you qualify.

Finding support or programs specifically for people with hearing loss can be a bit challenging. But there are a lot of local organizations providing assistance. The map below shows different programs available in each state. Use it to find aid and support for you or your family.

Hearing aids and implants can help improve the lifestyle of a person who is hard of hearing or deaf. They can make it easier to communicate and understand others. However, many people with hearing impairments find it hard to obtain hearing aids.

Hearing aids are personalized. That means it’s necessary to be adequately evaluated by an audiologist to ensure they have the right level of technology. On average, a single hearing aid is $2,500 or $5,000 for two. Depending on the hearing technology, it can be cheaper or more expensive.

For people having a hard time figuring out how to finance hearing aids, the following options may help.

Your health insurance may cover hearing aids, depending on your policy and insurer. Your location also plays a huge role. Some states require insurance companies to offer this coverage to employers. Others only require private insurance providers to pay for hearing aids for children. There may also be coverage limits depending on the state.

For example, Arkansas requires insurers to offer hearing aid coverage to employers with a limit of $1,400 per aid every three years. On the other hand, Connecticut requires a $1,000 total per aid every 24 months.

Here are some examples of the benefits of hearing aids to help you get started:

• A specified amount can be used to buy hearing aids. This benefit may be renewed after a certain number of years.
• The policyholder gets an allowance from the insurance plan for the purchase of hearing aids from a contracted provider.
• The health plan gives the policyholder access to significant discounts if they purchase hearing aids from a contracted provider.

The best way to determine if you have this coverage is to check with your health insurance provider.

Studies show that only one in five people needing a hearing aid has one. Despite the need for this device, many find it inaccessible due to the high cost. Below are some tips to reduce the cost of hearing aids.

People with hearing loss experience challenges in various aspects. Aside from physical effects, hearing loss can impact one’s finances. Buying ALDs or other assistive technology and getting specific education come with considerable expenses. Financial literacy can help in making more informed decisions and managing finances better.

Budgeting is an important part of financial management. It helps you understand your financial situation. Review your spending. Keep track of your receipts. These budgeting strategies can help you determine areas where you can save money. For instance, you may need to cut back on eating out or reduce unnecessary spending to afford essential purchases.

Saving money helps you prepare for unexpected events, such as emergencies or natural disasters. Generally, setting aside a portion of your monthly income for your savings account is wise. Despite this, many find it hard to save due to limited income.

Your credit score and history can help you in various ways. For instance, good credit allows you to access better loan deals and mortgages.

You can start establishing and building credit by applying for a credit card, becoming an authorized user on a credit card account, setting up a joint account or having a co-signer. That said, it’s important to remember that these all come with responsibilities. Poor management of your credit and loans can lead to a bad credit score and debt.

Many think of investment as a passive source of income for the wealthy. While investing comes with risks, it can also help build your retirement fund and grow your wealth. That said, the right time to invest for one person may not be right time for another individual. It’s important to consider your circumstances and financial situation. Consulting a financial advisor or expert may also help.

Sometimes, getting help from other people is necessary to learn better financial management skills. It allows you to understand better your financial struggles and how you can set and achieve goals. You can start with a trusted family member. Consulting a financial advisor may also be beneficial.

Finding the right resources and tools can help people with hearing impairment deal with the various challenges that come with their disability. The following list includes resources from government agencies and other organizations.

Financial Assistance and Support

• Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Find scholarships for people with hearing impairment. Check financial aid for acquiring hearing technology.
• Ear Community: Find a list of charities and organizations offering financial assistance to help people obtain hearing aids.
• EduMed: Find scholarship programs and financial aid for students with hearing loss or hearing impairment.
• Hearing Charities of America: Check out different programs and campaigns nationwide that cater to people who are hard of hearing or deaf.

Learning and Other Resources

• American Society for Deaf Children: Learn about ASL. Get trained by mentors who are deaf or improve your signing skills with the help of online classes and webinars.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Find agencies and organizations offering assistance to people with hearing loss.
• Easterseals Hard of Hearing and Deaf Services: Get access to various hard of hearing and deaf services, including sign language classes, hearing aids and audiology services.
• HearUSA: Understand hearing loss, the different types and its impact on a person’s quality of life.
• NAD Youth: Learn about the NAD Youth Leadership Camp and discover how your teen with hearing impairment can participate in a personal growth and development program.
• National Credit Union Administration: Find resources on financial literacy and education. Access different agencies and organizations that are offering financial literacy information.
• The Heuser Hearing Institute: Find various speech-language services and learn speech tips. Depending on your state, you may also enroll your child in an academy serving children with hearing loss.