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New Hearing Aid Program at OUHSC |
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Moderator |
| Date Posted: |
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Mar 31, 07 - 2:36 PM |
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OKLAHOMA CITY – Hearing aids are a necessity for thousands of Oklahomans, but soaring prices have made the devices unaffordable for some.
A new program at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers hearing aids at less than one-third retail cost for people with lower incomes, and provides free hearing tests. The Hearing Aid Bank is provided by the John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center at the OU College of Allied Health and the United Way of Central Oklahoma.
Hearing aids like the ones offered through the program typically cost between $1,200 and $1,500 each. The Hearing Aid Bank offers the aids for $350 each, plus the free hearing test. Eligibility for the program is based on income and the number of people living in the household.
“If they do indeed have hearing loss, these hearing aids allow them to participate in family gatherings, social activities, church and other places where they would have difficulty hearing. It’s very important for communication purposes. It gives people the ability to communicate again,” said Stephen Painton, Ph.D., an associate professor at the OU College of Allied Health and co-director of the Hearing Aid Bank.
The bank provides three options in hearing aid styles – all at discounted prices. The three styles are behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) and on the ear (OTE).
The program began in January and is ongoing with funding from the United Way and hearing aids from Starkey Laboratories Inc. – the world’s largest manufacturer of hearing instruments.
“We will continue to do this program as long as we have support from the United Way and Starkey. It is a wonderful service for Oklahomans who need hearing aids. These are high-technology digital devices that can restore hearing and change lives,” Painton said.
Patients interested in a free hearing test and lower-cost hearing aids can contact the Keys Center for an application. Applications are mailed and must be returned. The program can help about 100 patients a year.
For more information, contact the John W. Keys Speech and Hearing Center at (405) 271-4214. |
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