Easterseals Center for Better Hearing receives a grant to assist Southington residents with hearing loss

The Easterseals Center for Better Hearing has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Main Street Community Foundation. The grant will provide qualifying residents of Southington, Marion, Milldale and Plantsville assistance with hearing technology.

Most people are familiar with Easterseals as a valuable resource for persons and families facing physical or intellectual disabilities, however, many people report that they do not understand the connection between Easterseals and hearing loss. Hearing loss is very prevalent and is often over-looked as a disability.

According to the World Health Organization, around 466 million persons around the world have a disabling hearing loss. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that over 28.8 million adults in the US could benefit from hearing aids, yet less than 30% have ever used hearing aids.

Untreated hearing loss in adults has been linked to depression, social isolation, dementia, cognitive impairment and other communication disorders. Successful treatment for hearing loss may include assistive devices and/or hearing aids, however, for some there are financial barriers to receiving this care.

“Historically, access to hearing aids and hearing assistive technology has been problematic for many senior citizens that are on a fixed income, traditional Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids and evaluations for hearing aids” says Dr. Annette A. Burton, audiologist and director of the Easterseals Center for Better Hearing. “We are very excited to partner with the Main Street Foundation to provide assistance to help seniors in the Greater Southington area with the cost of their hearing care.”

Grant assistance is limited to qualified senior citizens who are residents of Southington, Marion, Milldale and Plantsville. Qualified recipients will receive an evaluation for hearing aids and funding towards a percentage of the cost of hearing technology and/or hearing aids.

All services will be provided by a licensed and board-certified audiologist at one of the 3 Easterseals Center for Better Hearing locations located here in Connecticut.  Applications can be obtained by calling (203)754-5141 ext 225 or contact us via email.

For more information about the Easterseals Center for Better Hearing please visit www.betterhearingct.com