50+ Lifestyles

Ask the Audiologist

What Resources Are Available for Individuals with Hearing Loss in my Community?

By Laura Schroeder, Au.D.
Audiology Consultants, P.C.

Help obtaining hearing aids

• Insurance – It is always worth a phone call to your insurance company to find out if they have any hearing aid benefits. You may be able to log in to their website and look there, too.
• VA – If you are a veteran and eligible for services through the VA, you may also be eligible for hearing aid benefits. Contact your local VA resource to learn more.
• Lions Club – Known for helping people obtain eyeglasses, they also help people get hearing aids. Search for your local Lions Club and their contact information on the Lions Club International website, lionsclub.org.
• Vocational Rehabilitation – This is a federally funded state program that helps people with disabilities find and keep employment. If you need hearing aids for your job, contact your state’s closest VR office. In Illinois, check out dhs.state.il.us and in Iowa, check out workforce.iowa.gov.

Support & Informative Organizations

• HLAA – Hearing Loss Association of America – The closest in-person group is in Platteville, WI, but HLAA also has online meetings: hearingloss.org
• Say What Club – online support group that uses email and Facebook groups to socialize and share information: saywhatclub.org
• ALDA – Association of Late-Deafened Adults – The closest chapter is in Chicago: aldachicago.org
• ATA – American Tinnitus Association – The University of Iowa Tinnitus Education & Support Group meets once a month online. Learn more and find contact information at ata.org.
• EHDI – Early Hearing Detection & Intervention – This program ensures newborns have their hearing screened, but they can also help answer questions and provide resources. In Iowa, search for EHDI at hhs.iowa.gov and in Illinois, dph.illinois.gov.

When you’re looking for information, be careful that your source is reliable and provides accurate information. Remember, your audiologist is also a great resource for information!

Laura Schroeder is an audiologist at Audiology Consultants, P.C. For more information, visit audiologyconsultants.com. Stores are located in Davenport, IA, Muscatine, IA, Moline, IL, and Geneseo, IL.