SENIOR CITIZENS HEARING AID PROGRAM

Oklahoma Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program,

Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)

PURPOSE

The Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program provides one (1) hearing aid per person at little or no cost to individuals who are 60 years of age or older and have a hearing loss of 35 decibels or greater in the better ear. Hearing loss must be determined by a contracted audiologist selected by the applicant. Based on income eligibility, a sliding scale co-payment may apply.

CONTACT

Oklahoma Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program

1100 E Oklahoma St

Sulphur, OK 73086-3108

(580) 622-8812 (V/TDD)

(866) 309-1717 (V/TDD)

(866) 327-9986 (Video Ph)

FAX: (580) 622-5850

www.osd.k12.ok.us/edp/index.html

FINANCIAL CRITERIA

• See “ELIGIBILITY”

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, a person must:

• be a resident of the state of Oklahoma;

• be 60 years of age or older;

• have a 35db hearing loss in your better ear (one of our audiologists will administer a hearing test and determine your degree of hearing loss); and

• have a limited income. Individuals earning above the income guidelines will be charged a co-payment. The co-payment will equal 10% of the difference between your monthly income and the monthly income guideline.

AT SERVICES PROVIDED/COVERED

• Assessments and Evaluations

• Information and Referral

AT DEVICES PROVIDED/COVERED

Aids for Hearing Impaired

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Complete an application for the Oklahoma Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program and return to the Oklahoma School for the Deaf. For an application, you may either call the office or download a copy of the application online at: http://www.osd.k12.ok.us/edp/index.html.

• Income verification must be included with the application. If you currently file income tax with the IRS, provide a copy of the front page of your 1040 plus verification of the Social Security income. (Because Social Security Income is often not declared on the 1040, it is necessary to send both documents.)

APPEALS PROCESS

1. There is no appeals process. A person is determined eligible based on proof of disability; available equipment is distributed as funds are available.

2. If there is a question regarding an individual receiving equipment, questions should be brought to Traci Prince-Oklahoma School for the Deaf, Mr. Hawkins, or Mike O’Brien.

PIECES OF THE PUZZLE

• This program has very limited funding. By the end of each fiscal year, there is a waiting list. The

Senior Citizen Hearing Aid Program will provide you with a list of participating audiologists that you may choose from to provide the needed hearing test and hearing aid. After necessary paperwork is received an authorization will be faxed to the audiologist you selected. A letter with instructions to make an appointment for a hearing test will be mailed to you. If your hearing loss qualifies you for a hearing aid, the audiologist will take an ear mold impression, and order a hearing aid for you. You will then make another appointment to have the aid fitted, but due to funding limitations the program is only able to pay for one (1) hearing aid. The type of hearing aid you receive (in the ear or behind the ear) will be decided based on the results of the hearing test, and discussion between you and the audiologist.