Hearing loss can be a devastating experience, especially for anyone not able to afford the cost of hearing aids. There are organizations that can assist with finding free hearing aids, however. If you are suffering from hearing loss and are looking for ways to get hearing aids at no cost, there are several ways to go about finding high quality devices.
When seeking free hearing aids, you can start by checking with local non-profit organizations that provide them to those people who don't have health insurance or the means to purchase hearing aid supplies. To locate a club or association that offers them, ask the local Chamber of Commerce in your region. Another way to find organizations that give away quality hearing aids is to check in local telephone directories.
It's also a good idea to ask your family healthcare provider about documentation of your hearing loss. Hearing loss must be verified by a qualified audiologist before you may be eligible for many free and low cost hearing aid programs. Be prepared to provide information about the actual cause and diagnosis of your hearing loss when trying to get free hearing aids through non-profit organizations.
You may want to ask a medical professional or audiologist directly about programs for low income or disabled patients who are experiencing difficult affording hearing aids. In some cases, your healthcare provider may have access to disposable hearing aids that can be used temporarily until a more permanent solution can be arranged. Medical professionals who work in audiology also have access to a wide network of hearing loss services that can provide you with free hearing aids if you meet certain criteria.
Consider asking for information from hearing aid banks. There are international organizations that can provide you with resources to get free hearing aids that can help restore much of the hearing loss. For example, the Lions Club International has a program that provides hearing aids for free around the world to those with limited resources or the ability to obtain hearing aids and accessories.
You can also contact hearing aid manufacturers directly about trial programs or study groups for new digital hearing aids or disposable hearing aids. When new models are in development, manufacturers often have free samples that can be used during a specific trial period and then kept once feedback is given by wearers. Hearing aid manufacturers will often provide these models for free to the elderly and children in order to study their effectiveness.