Hearing Aid Assistance

Need for Services

Over 48 million people (20 percent) living in the United States (according to the Hearing Loss Association of America) are affected by varying degrees of hearing loss, which can make communication difficult for these individuals. In some cases, adults with hearing loss face losing their job; children might not develop communication in a timely manner; and elderly individuals may become depressed and withdraw from society.

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.

Hearing Aid Assistance

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

This program would not be possible without support from our community of donors and grants from the following organizations:

  • 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.

Hearing Aid Assistance

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.

Support this Program

If you’d like to support this program, please consider donating below.