Health and Care: Guide to Advanced and Low cost Aids for the Hearing Impaired

AI-powered hearing aids represent a future of advanced technology that is revolutionizing assistive devices for the hearing impaired. The use of sophisticated algorithms and machine learning to address profound hearing loss offers powerful new tools in the fight against auditory impairment.

This future envisions cost-effective solutions becoming widely available—ideally recognized by private insurance and eventually accessible to Medicaid recipients. While that vision continues to evolve, it is important to examine the innovative hearing solutions already emerging in the public sphere.

Leading companies in advanced AI technology:

    Phonak

    Phonak is a company which has been advancing hearing technologies since 2000. One of their most notable innovations is AutoSense OS, an intelligent algorithm designed to suppress background noise and significantly improve hearing from a multidirectional perspective.

    StarKey

    A U.S.-based manufacturer known for its high-quality hearing assistive devices. Starkey hired former Intel executive Achin Bhowmik as Chief Technology Officer, who led the development of the Starkey Genesis AI. After five years of development, Genesis AI offers several ground breaking features:

    • A built-in fitness tracker
    • A sensor that provides life-saving alerts in the event of a fall or other emergencies
    • Cognitive tracking capabilities, including the ability to detect early signs of dementia

Focus should be on what is available through government programs and nonprofit agencies, which may provide low- or no-cost hearing devices. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover hearing aids. However, Medicaid may provide coverage depending on the state.

Medicaid Hearing Aid Coverage by State

States that cover hearing aids for patients with mild or greater hearing loss, or difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments:

  1. California (CA)

  2. Illinois (IL)

  4. Indiana (IN)

  5. Minnesota (MN)

  6. Missouri (MO)

  7. New Hampshire (NH)

  8. Nevada (NV)

  9. New York (NY)

  10. Ohio (OH)

  11. South Dakota (SD)

  12. Texas (TX)

  13. Vermont (VT)

  14. Wisconsin (WI)
  • Wisconsin Medicaid (including BadgerCare Plus) generally covers medically necessary hearing aids for members enrolled in the Standard Plan.


States where moderate or greater hearing loss is the criteria for coverage:

  1. Florida (FL)

  2. Montana (MT)

  3. New Jersey (NJ)

  4. North Dakota (ND)

  5. Oregon (OR)

  6. Wyoming (WY)

States that rely on audiologists’ opinions without clearly defined coverage standards:

  1. Alaska (AK)

  2. Connecticut (CT)

  3. Kansas (KS)

  4. New Mexico (NM)

AI-enhanced hearing aids represent one of the most promising technological advances in assistive healthcare. However, to truly revolutionize lives, accessibility must be prioritized. Expanding Medicaid coverage, increasing public funding, and supporting nonprofit initiatives are essential steps to ensure these life-changing devices reach those who need them most. Non-profit organizations play a pivotal role.

Nonprofit and Private Resources for Hearing Assistance

    Ability Tools
    1. Provides access to income-based hearing resources nationwide.
    2. 3191 West Temple Ave,Suite 200
    3. Pomona, CA 91768
    4. Phone: 1-866-956-5400
    5. Email: _hear@epichearing.com

    EasterSeals

    Offers referrals to local programs for hearing devices and assistive technology services.

    1. 41 W Jackson Blvd., Suite 1400A
    2. Chicago, IL 60604

    3. Voice: 312-726-6200
    4. Toll-free: 800-221-6827
    5. Email: info@easterseals.org

Hearing Aid Donations

On a national scale, low-income individuals can obtain hearing aids through government assistance programs such as Medicaid, nonprofit organizations, and hearing aid banks that provide devices either at reduced cost or free of charge based on financial needs.

  1. Hearing Charities of America
  2. 720 Main Street, FL 1, Kansas City, MO 64105
  3. Phone:816-895-2410
  4. Fax: 816-333-4320

    Prepared by Lou
    Assistant Writer: New Horizons Un-Limited

-