is there a place where one can get financial help for hearing aids?

Answer 1

There are several resources available to assist with funding for hearing aids. The organization I work with most frequency is Audient . They provide digital hearing aids at a greatly reduced rate for people who cannot afford aids. They work with two of the major manufacturers (Oticon and Phonak). The hearing aids they provide would regularly retail for about $1500/ea, but they offer them for about $700/ea. A VERY good price for VERY good digital hearing aids.

You local Lions Club will also likely have funding available. In my experience, they will provide one basic (non-digital) hearing aid at no charge to the patient, but you must be able to demonstrate financial need. This may vary from club to club, so it's best to look locally.

Finally, there is an organization run through Starkey Hearing called "Hear Now". They work with local audiologists to provide a hearing aid at no cost (last I knew) to the patient. Again, this is a basic (non-digital) hearing aid. They provide the instrument, and the audiologist agrees to provide services at no charge. You can find more information at http://www.sotheworldmayhear.org/forms/hearnow.php

If you ask your audiologist, he/she should have more information about these resources.

Answer 2

There is an organization called the Sertoma Club with chapters nationwide. Their mission is to provide necessary adaptive devices to patients with a communication disorder (like hearing loss).
If you are a veteran, the VA can help you with this.