ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, WeatherFinancial help for hearing aids: your go-to guide

Hard of hearing but can't afford a hearing aid? Don't fret or ignore the problem either. There are plenty of resources to help you, whether the aid is needed for yourself, a child or a parent.

Just remember that each of the following charitable groups has its own requirements and application process. You may need to apply to several of them before you find one that can help you.

AUDIENT. If you earn more than the federal poverty level but still have financial issues, these are the people to contact. Their mission is to help those without coverage who can't qualify for federal aid. AUDIENT often helps applicants pay for:

• Hearing aids
• Earmolds
• Fittings
• Follow-up visits

The Disabled Children's Relief Fund. Here's an organization that helps children with disabilities who don't have health insurance. If your child qualifies, you could get a grant covering the cost of a hearing aid. Applications are accepted from April to September.

Easter Seals. For nearly 100 years, Easter Seals has been helping people with disabilities get the resources they need. Its hearing assistance program is for children under the age of 21. The group works with doctors and nurses, rather than patients themselves. If you have a child with a hearing disability, ask your caregiver to get in touch with them. It could gain you access to free:

• Hearing tests
• Hearing aids
• Cochlear implants
• Other surgical procedures

The First Hand Foundation. This international aid society offers medical assistance to children around the world. Kids living in low-income households can qualify for free or low-cost hearing aids if they have no insurance. Even better, First Hand accepts applications year-round. Just make sure you're approved before you buy a hearing aid. First Hand does not provide reimbursements after the fact.

Hear Now. Funded by the Starkey Hearing Foundation, Hear Now offers free hearing aids to low-income children and adults. If you're accepted into the program, administrators will work with your doctor to cover your costs.

Lion's Club International. Also known for its generous vision care assistance, the Lion's Club has a hearing aid program for both children and adults. Though it normally doesn't give them out for free, you may be able to get one at very low cost. The best way to use this service is through a local chapter. There are thousands of them around the country. You should be able to find one in a phone book.

Miracle Ear Children's Foundation. The makers of the Miracle Ear hearing aid also sponsor a charity program for low-income children. Qualified applicants are given hearing aids free of charge. But recipients cannot be older than 16 and applications are very closely examined. Don't let that discourage you, though. Your child just might make the cut.

Sertoma. This national organization has more than 600 local chapters. One of its charities is a nationwide hearing aid recycling program. Also, its local chapters sometimes fund the hearing needs of individual patients. And if you know a college student with a hearing disability, have them apply to Sertoma for a $1,000 scholarship.

Finding these programs online is easy. They all have their own Web sites.

Just remember that the application process can be time-consuming. It often takes people several months to find the help they need. But be patient and stick with it. Improvements in your hearing will be well worth the wait.