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Introducing ‘Savvy Senior’
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Disclaimer:
Jim Miller is responsible for this content, which is not edited by the Wilson County News or wilsoncountynews.com. |
Jim Miller
December 8, 2009 | 2 comments
We at the Wilson County News hope you enjoy this first “Savvy Senior” column. This new feature by Jim Miller provides information for older Americans and their families.
Miller often is quoted in articles about issues affecting senior citizens and has been featured in many high-profile publications, including Time magazine and USA Today. He has made appearances on CNBC, CNN, Retirement Living Television, and national public television.
Dear Savvy Senior,
Are there any organizations that you know of that offer low-cost hearing aids to seniors on a very tight budget?
Hard of Hearing
Dear Hard,
Unfortunately, there are millions of U.S. seniors with hearing loss that go without needed hearing aids because they simply can’t afford them. Digital hearing aids are expensive, typically costing between $1,000 and $3,000 per ear, and most insurance companies, including Medicare, don’t cover them.
But there’s good news! Today, there are a number of organizations that offer hearing-aid assistance programs to help those in need. Most programs have income requirements that you’ll need to meet to be eligible, and they all require a hearing evaluation by an audiologist, which in most cases you’ll have to pay for yourself. Here’s where to look for help.
•Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project -- Provided by the Lions Clubs International Foundation and offered through many local Lions Clubs throughout the United States, this program provides the opportunity to purchase new, behind-the-ear, digital hearing aids manufactured by Rexton, for $200 per aid. To be eligible, most clubs will require your income to be below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is less than $21,660 (or $29,140 for a family of two) in 2009.
Contact your local Lions Club to see if they participate in this project. To reach your local club, visit http://www.LionsClubs.org or call 1-800-747-4448 to get the number to your state Lions Club office, which can refer you to your community representative. (There are Lions Clubs in Floresville and La Vernia.)
•Help America Hear Program -- Visit http://FoundationForSightandSound.org or call 631-366-3461.
•HearNow -- Call 1-800-328-8602, or visit http://Sotheworldmayhear.org/hearnow .
•Sertoma -- Call 1-816-333-8300 or visit Sertoma.org. Sertoma also is launching Hearing Charities of America (HearingCharities.org).
•Audient Program -- Go to AudientAlliance.org or call 1-877-283-4368.
•Travelers Protective Association of America -- Visit http://www.tpahq.org or call 314-371-0533.
•Local Organizations -- Call your Area Aging Agency at 1-800-677-1116 or your state assistive technologies director (see www.ataporg.org for contact info) for city, county, or state programs or local nonprofits. Local chapters of service groups such as Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Masons, Optimists, Elks, Easter Seals, United Way, and Quota International also may offer assistance.
Savvy Tip: The Better Hearing Institute offers a comprehensive listing of hearing aid financial resources at BetterHearing.org. Click on “Resources,” then on “Financial Assistance.” |
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| Your Opinions and Comments |
SMCB
La Vernia
December 9, 2009 6:01am
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Senior Citizen
Wilson County
December 8, 2009 9:00pm
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