Access HEARS announces a collaboration with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Service, Aging and Disability Services
Free, over-the-counter hearing aids and personal sound amplifiers will be distributed to eligible adults over 60.
Montgomery County, April 1, 2023 — Access HEARS announces a collaboration with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Service, Aging and Disability Services.
Montgomery County is committed to providing more affordable options to address hearing loss. Through the program, 400 over-the-counter hearing aids and PSAPs (personal sound amplification products) will be distributed. Eligible individuals must be Montgomery County Residents aged 60 and over with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss and an annual income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Participants must provide proof of age, residence and income.
Access HEARS, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to connect individuals with hearing loss to the solutions they need to age well. Founded by physicians and leading hearing experts and entrepreneurs at the Johns Hopkins University, Access HEARS delivers services directly to the community, offering its clients a low-cost, in-person or virtual service delivery, teaching individuals how to use over-the-counter hearing aids and other high-quality listening devices. Clients receive ongoing support throughout the first 12 months to ensure their success.
“The world sounds different. What an improvement! I hope that this program is expanded so that more seniors are able to be educated about and make use of this wonderful more affordable technology.” – L. Sellmayer
Over-the-counter hearing aids debuted on the US market in 2022. While hearing aids are now more accessible than ever, significant barriers exist to navigating the market and the devices themselves. Access HEARS provides the one-on-one support to help individuals become independent and confident users of hearing technology with the goal of supporting healthy aging and continued engagement with their family and communities.
Hearing loss is not just a benign sign of aging but has a more profound impact on health and well- being. Much more than just missed conversations, prolonged hearing loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, decreased physical mobility, falls and dementia. Treating hearing loss is the number one modifiable risk factor to avoid dementia and memory impairment.
Devices are on a first come, first served basis. For more information:
Contact Shelley Stein, Client Services Manager
410-870-9373
Eligible individuals must be Montgomery County Residents aged 60+ with an annual income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Participants must provide proof of
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