The Ageing and Incapacity Providers Division of the Montgomery County Division of Well being and Human Providers just lately started providing free
listening to aids and private sound amplifiers to eligible residents 60 and over.
The distribution of those units can be performed by Entry HEARS, Inc., a nonprofit group whose mission is to attach people with listening to loss.
Units can be given out on a first-come, first-served foundation. Funds for this system come from the Federal American Rescue Act. Residents taken with receiving listening to aids could apply on-line through the Entry HEARS web site or by calling 410-929-0394.
“Our partnership with Entry HEARS displays our dedication to making sure the well-being and inclusivity of our residents who’re 60 and over,” mentioned County Government Marc Elrich. “Listening to loss has a major influence on people’ high quality of life. This program will assist bridge the hole and make listening to aids and private sound amplifiers extra accessible to those that could face monetary boundaries. We respect and are grateful to the County’s Congressional delegation for funding this program. When you, or somebody you realize, is in want of one in all these units, please contemplate using this program whereas provides final.”
By way of this program, 400 over-the-counter listening to aids and private sound amplification merchandise (PSAPs) can be distributed. Eligible people have to be Montgomery County residents age 60 and over with perceived mild-to-moderate listening to loss and an annual revenue under 250 % of the Federal Poverty Tips. People incomes lower than $36,450 and {couples} incomes lower than $49,300 qualify to take part. Members should present proof of age, residence, and revenue.
Over-the-counter listening to aids debuted on the U.S. market in 2022. Whereas listening to aids at the moment are extra accessible than ever, vital boundaries exist to navigating the market and the units themselves. The typical price to buy an over-the-counter system is $220, which could be prohibitive for seniors on fastened or low incomes.
Based by physicians and main listening to specialists, and entrepreneurs at Johns Hopkins College, Entry HEARS delivers companies on to the neighborhood, providing its purchasers a low-cost, in-person, or digital service supply.
Entry HEARS workers additionally teaches people methods to use over-the-counter listening to aids with the aim of supporting their wholesome getting old and continued engagement with household and neighborhood. Purchasers obtain ongoing assist all through the primary 12 months to make sure their success.
