Hearing Aid Assistance
Need for Services
Ironically, most insurance companies cover the audiological test for hearing loss, but do not cover the cost of hearing aids. Most hearing aids run an average of $3,000-$4,000 per pair, which can be cost-prohibitive to individuals living on fixed incomes.
Tennessee has one of the highest household poverty rates in the United States and many people in East Tennessee, with or without insurance, are unable to afford the hearing aids they need to in order to improve their quality of life.
What We Provide
Our hearing aid assistance program provides hope for hearing impaired children and adults in East Tennessee counties. Through this program, individuals are able to obtain hearing aids and services at a reduced cost dependent on their total household income. Individuals are provided services as long as funding is available.
All of the audiological services provided through the Hearing and Speech Foundation are contracted through Blount Hearing and Speech Services, located in Maryville, Tennessee. The following services are offered:
- Initial audiological exams and testing
- Hearing aid(s)
- Earmold impressions
- Hearing aid fitting exams
Who is Eligible
Our hearing aid assistance program is open only to residents of East Tennessee whose gross household income does not exceed 100 percent above the poverty level, as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
All services provided through the hearing aid assistance program are given on a first-come, first-served basis, as funding is available. If you are interested in receiving more information about our hearing aid assistance program, please email John Hinkle: jahinkle@handsf.org, or call (865) 977-0981 and we will be happy to assist you.
Program Support
- United Way of Blount County
- United Way of Loudon County
- East Tennessee Foundation
- New Providence Presbyterian Church
Additional support comes from our hearing aid recycling program, which may help provide some hearing aids for clients.
Audiological Assessment
An audiological evaluation is a painless, noninvasive hearing test that measures a person’s ability to hear different sounds, pitches or frequencies. The diagnostic test is performed in a soundproof booth under headphones.
Recycle Hearing AIDS
We accept all kinds of hearing aids, hearing assistive devices and hearing aid accessories from all manufacturers and in all conditions of use. All donated aids are considered an in-kind contribution.