The World Health Organization estimates that 278 million people worldwide suffer from severe hearing loss or worse. Those with hearing loss are a severely underserved population. The problem of hearing loss is much worse now than in 1925. Thirty million Americans suffer from hearing loss. Nearly seven million Americans who need hearing aids cannot afford them. In 2007, the average price of one hearing aid in the United States was $2,000. Most insurance companies do not cover hearing aids, and the “low-priced” hearing aids advertised often are poor in quality and provide poor user satisfaction.

For 87 years, Lions have addressed the most pressing needs of their communities. Providing assistance to those with hearing loss has long been one of those commitments.  Urged by Helen Keller in 1925 to help people with hearing loss, Lions in 2005 averaged US$1.8 million in donations, collected 25,335 hearing aids and volunteered 91,200 hours to hearing-related service projects.

Using the Lions volunteer infrastructure of 12,000 clubs in 48 districts, Lions are reaching limited-income people with hearing loss in many communities in the United States. Lions are providing high-quality, low-cost hearing aids through the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project (Lions AHAP), a project of LCIF. Lions AHAP is dedicated to helping provide aids to people who could not otherwise afford them.

The Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project is rooted in a continuum of care model involving hearing care professionals and focuses on low-income beneficiaries. The hearing aid is one part of the solution to lessening the effects of hearing loss. Also needed are the services of the hearing care professionals to conduct tests, order ear molds, program the hearing aids and provide follow-up care.

Lions AHAP has also established a new partnership with HearUSA’s 170 clinics to provide hearing tests and fittings at negotiated, reduced rates. For the address and phone numbers of specific clinics, go to www.hearusa.com and select "Locate a Center."

Currently Lions AHAP is distributing two hearing aids through a partnership with Rexton, Inc. in cooperation with participating Lions clubs, foundations, and hearing care professionals.

The aids are available to Lions clubs and Lions hearing programs. The forms are available online or contact the program coordinator for additional information.

Additional information:
How to Get Involved
Resource Materials
Hearing Aid Product Overview