NJ Department of Human Services

Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Reconditioned Hearing Aid Project

About the Program:

The New Jersey Hearing Aid Project provides reconditioned hearing aids to low income seniors. The project is a collaboration between the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Sertoma Inc./Hearing Charities of America and the Montclair State University.

Program Eligibility:

To be eligible for the program applicants must meet the following criteria:

*65 years of age or older

*Resident of New Jersey

*Certification by physician or licensed audiologist as having a hearing loss and needing a hearing aid.

*Income less than $26,665 if single or less than $32,680 if married.

*Not eligible for others sources of hearing aid assistance (e.g. Medicaid)

*Does not currently possess a usable hearing aid.

Application Process:

Applications can be obtained by contacting the New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at (609) 588-2648 or it can be downloaded from the division’s website at http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddhh/home/hearingaidproject.html. Currently registered recipients of Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), please request Eligibility Application Form A. If unregistered, please request Eligibility Application Form B. Return the completed application form to the address noted on the application form.

Hearing Aid Disbursement:

This Project is dependent upon the availability of used hearing aids which have been donated to the project. If an appropriate hearing aid is in the hearing aid inventory, it may take four-six weeks for the hearing aid to be reconditioned and fitted. In some cases, an appropriate hearing aid may not be readily available in the inventory. Approved applicants will be notified when one becomes available.

Out of Pocket Expenses:

Qualified participants will be responsible for the cost of the ear mold and batteries. The audiologist may also charge for the hearing evaluation or accept insurance. Applicants that require a diagnostic hearing evaluation should obtain a physician referral. This service will be billed to Medicare and/ or private insurance company. Applicants should inform the audiologist of any insurance coverage.

Approved participants also will be responsible for an $85.00 flat fee for any repair to the hearing aid after warranty. There is no cost to participants for the reconditioned hearing aid.

To donate a used hearing aid to the project: Send in a padded envelope, box or unlabeled prescription container to:

New Jersey Hearing Aid Project

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Montclair State University

1515 Broad Street, Building B

Bloomfield, NJ  07003

From the:

NJ Department of Human Services

Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

P.O. Box 074

Trenton, NJ  08625=0074

http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/ddhh/home/index.html

Phone: 609-588-2648

Disclaimer: This information comes directly from the NJ Department of Human Services pamphlet. Please call the numbers above or email for more information.