The national Hearing Aid Project got its beginnings with the launch of the New Jersey Hearing Aid Project in January of 2013. The New Jersey Hearing Aid Project is a combined effort of Hearing Charities of America, Montclair State University and the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The mission of the New Jersey Hearing Aid Project is to provide eligible low income individuals access to needed hearing assistive devices and related services that otherwise are not available due to cost. The goal is to serve the needs of eligible people 65 years of age or older in the State of New Jersey through the use of a hearing aid bank. The hearing aid bank will provide aids at little or no cost and as resources are available, support the services required to properly dispense and use the technology.
This effort has proven to be beyond the effective ability of any single agency. The New Jersey Hearing Aid Project exists as a coordinated effort of three independent public organizations that create a framework to provide infrastructure, generate resources, and manage outcomes. Through this collaboration the program has seen great success, placing over 150 hearing aids in its first year alone.
Please learn more about these great organizations below. Want to get involved? Contact us for more information and learn how you can help.
HEARING CHARITIES OF AMERICA
Hearing Charities of America’s (HCOA) purpose is to support those impacted by speech and hearing disorders by expanding awareness, volunteerism and philanthropy. HCOA provides resources to hearing professionals, manufacturers and individuals with hearing related problems. They accomplish this through three related activities: awareness programs, scholarships and Adopt-An-Agency. These activities support HCOA’s mission of commitment and communication. Sertoma is the founding partner of Hearing Charities of America.
MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY
Montclair State University is home to the only audiology doctoral program in the State of New Jersey. The University is please to collaborate with Hearing Charities of America/Sertoma and the NJ DDHH in the New Jersey Hearing Aid Project. Our clinical staff and graduate students will evaluate donated hearing aids and house reconditioned aids for distribution to participating audiologists across New Jersey. The MSU Center for Audiology will also dispense hearing aids to individuals who qualify through the NJ DDHH application process.
THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING
The New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NJ DDHH) is pleased to partner with Hearing Charities of America/Sertoma and Montclair State University for the purpose of providing reconditioned hearing aids to low income individuals with needs.
Although there are several programs that offer assistance, the vast majority of people who need hearing aids do not have them due to the high cost. The division receives thousands of inquiries for information, but one of the most common requests is from those seeking hearing aid assistance. Very few insurance companies provide coverage. Many people with hearing loss are over 65 and Medicare also does not provide coverage. Therefore, it is anticipated that this program will help bridge the gap. The division’s participation in the project includes establishing eligibility guidelines, and determining which applicants will be approved to obtain a hearing aid.
For applications, please contact below:
New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
NJ Hearing Aid Project
PO Box 074
Trenton, NJ 08625-0074
800-792-8339 Toll Free in New Jersey
609-588-2648
609-503-4862 Videophone
609-588-2528 Fax
DDHH.communications2@dhs.nj.gov
For individuals who meet eligibility requirements and are currently registered with the New Jersey Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program, please request Eligibility Application Form A.
For individuals who meet eligibility requirements and are NOT currently registered with the New Jersey Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program, please request Eligibility Application Form B.
SERTOMA
Composed of clubs located across the country and in Canada, this civic service organization’s primary goal is to reach those affected by hearing loss and communicative disorders. Sertoma’s members do this through educational programs such as Sertoma SAFEEars!®, scholarships, and the Adopt-An-Agency program. Sertoma is the founding partner of Hearing Charities of America.