HEAR NOW PROGRAM PROVIDES HEARING AIDS

 HARRISBURG, SEPT. 20 – State Sen. Connie Williams announced the availability of a national program that was created to help people who may not be able to otherwise afford them to obtain hearing aids. Used hearing aids can also be recycled through the program.

 "The Hear Now Program has provided more than 47,247 hearing aids to 27,500 individuals since it began in 1999," Williams said. "The program works with licensed practitioners in the applicant's area who are willing to give their time and talent to assist clients with the fitting and follow-up for a hearing aid or hearing device. I encourage people who are interested in the program to call Hear Now toll-free to learn more. There is some initial cost to the program and the application processing fee is non-refundable."

 To qualify, you must be a permanent United States resident. All applicants must meet the program's financial criteria ($12,960 for an individual, $17,280 for a family of two, $26,140 for a family of four), complete the application process and be approved for hearing aids. The applicant is responsible for the cost of the hearing evaluation (that is part of the application process) and a processing fee ($100 for one aid or $200 for two). Recipients are also financially responsible for the cost of batteries and repairs. Once an application is approved, the aids are given to the applicant at no additional cost.

 Hear Now is a national nonprofit program offered through the Starkey Hearing Foundation in Minnesota that is committed to assisting deaf and hard-of-hearing people with limited financial resources. The program receives no government funding. It is supported through donations of money, time and hearing aid.

 To apply, people may download an application online at www.sotheworldmayhear.org (click on the Hear Now tab at the top of the page), or call 1-800-648-4327.

 Individuals interested in donating hearing aids for recycling purposes (any make or model, regardless of age can be donated), are asked to securely package the assistive device and mail it to: Hear Now, 6700 Washington Avenue South, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.