Are your hearing aids free?
NO. Although we do receive donated hearing aids from the community, we do not offer FREE hearing aids. The hearing aids we receive through donations are refurbished and these costs are rolled into the price of the hearing devices. And we do not always have the appropriate hearing aids for every person in stock through this program which means we have to purchase them from Manufactures. We offer hearing aids that are the best quality for the best price. We believe in a “hand up” philosophy rather than a “hand out”.
I don’t qualify for most social programs, yet I cannot afford hearing aids. Would I qualify for your program?
IT IS POSSIBLE. We have expanded the poverty thresholds within our clinic to include the “working poor” class who often fall between the cracks when it comes to attaining hearing healthcare services. We provide services for people with household and income up to 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. Keep in mind, having access to liquid assets like savings, stocks, bonds is also considered and may disqualify you from our program or adjust your sliding scale fees. We would require these assets be limited, so if this is the situation–please contact our office for more information on the specific amounts. We also consider extenuating circumstances such as outstanding medical bills when determining eligibility.
What are the Federal Income Guidelines and how do I know if I qualify?
This chart below will show you how to figure your annual income by the number of people in your household. All income earned in the family is counted towards your annual income. See our “New Patient” page for a listing of what is considered income.
Family Size | *Nominal Fee | 75% off | 65% off | 50% off | 25% off | Pay 100% |
| 1 | 15,960 | 19,950 | 23,940 | 27,930 | 29,526 | 39,900 |
| 2 | 21,640 | 27,050 | 32,460 | 37,870 | 40,034 | 54,100 |
| 3 | 27,320 | 34,150 | 40,980 | 47,810 | 50,542 | 68,300 |
| 4 | 33,000 | 41,250 | 49,500 | 57,750 | 61,050 | 82,500 |
| 5 | 38,680 | 48,350 | 58,020 | 67,690 | 71,558 | 96,700 |
| 6 | 44,360 | 55,450 | 66,540 | 77,630 | 82,066 | 110,900 |
| 7 | 50,040 | 62,550 | 75,060 | 87,570 | 92,574 | 125,100 |
| 8 | 55,720 | 69,650 | 83,580 | 97,510 | 103,082 | 139,300 |
Add $5680/year for every additional person in household over 8.
Why do I need to complete volunteer service hours to receive hearing aids if I am paying a sliding scale fee?
As a nonprofit serving low-income individuals, we have limited resources. We rely on donations, grants, volunteers, and other sources of income to be sustainable. Our volunteer service program allows us to thank our community for supporting our organization and making it possible to offer the reduced fees on the sliding scale fee basis. If you physically cannot do your volunteer service, our provisions allow for a loved one, friend, or other person to complete your hours on your behalf. This is a very important component to our program. Many of our patients have never participated in or been exposed to volunteerism. This is a great way for them to feel some pride and ownership in their own hearing healthcare. We hope that some patients will continue this service even after they’ve completed their required service commitment.
My mother passed away and was a hearing aid user. Is there anything that can be done with her hearing aids?
YES! They absolutely can be utilized by someone else. We have several donation sites throughout the city, and the hearing aids we receive through these boxes will definitely help in providing the Gift of Hearing to someone else in our community. There are two types of hearing aids: BTE’s (ones that go behind and over the ears) and ITE/CIC’s (those that go inside of the ear). BTE’s can be refurbished for the most part and will be able to go right onto someone else. ITE/CIC types are a custom fit and cannot be used on someone else. However, we accept ITE/CIC donations and then turn them into Hearing Aid Manufactures for credit towards the purchase of a new aid or to be used for the internal parts to be used on other reconditioned aids. Donated hearing aids can be accepted in any working or nonworking condition–and from any manufacturer. Either way, donated hearing aids are a great way to allow your loved one’s passing to provide someone else the Gift of Hearing.
(Did we mention this is a tax-deductible donation? See our Donation page for more info!)