Paying for Hearing Aids

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

In reading the posts of how to pay for the overwhelming costs of hearing aids,

I've been concerned by the number of suggestions to have the school system pay

for the hearing aids. While I'm sure this has been successful for some

families, there are many reasons why this is a shortsighted solution for us as a

group of concerned parents. First and foremost, there are many initiatives

throughout the country to push legislation through that will put the onus on

insurance companies to cover hearing aids, partially or fully. The more cases

presented that show other sources paying for hearing aids will only hurt the

case: hearing aids are a medical necessity for our kids all the time, not just

while they are in school (an educational accommodation). Secondly, the schools

are completely within their rights to limit the audiologists who will work with

your children, if their aids are covered by the school, creating the good

possibility that your child will be seen by someone with limited or no knowledge

of fitting children (we all know the importance of using an audiologist who is

practiced with kids, especially when getting a great earmold fit). Thirdly, the

schools can limit the choices you have for hearing aids, based on brand or cost.

You run the risk of trading one problem (finding the money yourself for these

aids) for another (being forced to choose an aid that is not the best for your

child's loss or needs).

Finding financial sources for the cost of hearing aids is tough for everyone.

However, when you place the purchasing power in the hands of someone else, you

run the risk of an even greater problems.

For more information about what your state is doing to provide insurance

coverage for hearing aids, simply contact your state department of public

health; their sites typically have the links to all pending legislation around

healthcare. Write or call your state senators and representatives to let them

know the importance of having insurance companies provide these devices that are

necessary for our kids to function independently in the full world.

Kerry