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Program collecting hearing aids to give to those in need

Nearly 700,000 Kentuckians are deaf or hard of hearing

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2014) — A new state program is collecting used hearing aids to refurbish and distribute to Kentuckians who have hearing impairments and need assistance.

hearing aidThe Kentucky Assistive Technology Service (KATS) Network’s Statewide Hearing Aid Assistance and Reuse Program (SHARP) is accepting hearing aids of any age or condition. Donors can call the KATS Network at 1-800-327-5287 to request a self-addressed stamped envelope or drop hearing aids off at a participating collection center.

Donations can also be dropped off at your local Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Medicare and most health insurance plans do cover hearing aids. The average cost of one new hearing aid is about $3,000, said Jimmy Brown, KATS Network director. He said nearly 700,000 Kentuckians, or 20 percent of the population, are deaf or hard of hearing.