✨✨General Discussions

🦻 Recycle Hearing Aids — Help Others Hear Again

A Montclair State University Program

In collaboration with the New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH) and Hearing Charities of America/Sertoma, Montclair State University operates the New Jersey Hearing Aid Project (NJHAP).

🎧 What the Project Does

Provides free refurbished hearing aids to eligible low-income seniors in New Jersey.

👵 Who Qualifies

To receive a refurbished hearing aid, applicants must:

• Be 65 years or older
• Be a New Jersey resident
• Have an income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level

Eligibility is determined by the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH).

🏥 How It Works

The Center for Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology at Montclair State University:

• Houses the Hearing Aid Bank
• Coordinates the dispensing of refurbished hearing aids through a statewide network of licensed audiologists
• Partners with local professionals to serve those unable to travel long distances

📞 How to Apply

Contact DDHH for application information:

• Phone: 609-588-2648
• NJ Toll-Free: 800-792-8339
• Online: Visit the DDHH website to download an application and learn more about NJHAP.

👩‍⚕️ Audiologists — How to Participate

To join the NJHAP network of participating audiologists, email:

📧 NJHAP@montclair.edu

♻️ Donate Hearing Aids

The program accepts hearing aid donations of any make, model, or age.

• Include your name and address to receive a tax-deductible receipt.
• Mail donations to:
• New Jersey Hearing Aid Project
• Montclair State University
• 1515 Broad Street, Building B
• Bloomfield, NJ 07003

❤️ Make a Difference

Your unused hearing aids can restore someone’s connection to the world of sound.

💬 Forum Question

Does your state have a similar program that collects, refurbishes, or redistributes hearing aids to low-income seniors?

If so, please share:

• The organization’s name or website
• Who qualifies and how hearing aids are distributed
• How others can donate or volunteer

Your information may help NaCCRA members replicate or publicize these programs nationwide.

Richmond Shreve

NaCCRA Board Member & VP

Forum Moderator

Years ago I sent my father's hearing aids to the Starkey Hearing Foundation in MN. This might be a place for seniors to send their no-longer-needed hearing aids for refurb/recycle if their state doesn't have a program like that of NJ. I believe Starkey's mission is international, helping those who cannot afford hearing aids.

I used Chat GPT to answer the following question:

"Are there any programs for refurbishing and redistributing hearing aids to low income seniors in Georgia?"

Response:

Georgia Charitable Care Network (GCCN) - Hearing Aid Dispatch/ Hearing Aid Distribution Program

It is administered by GCCN and funded by the Georgia Public Service Commission. It provides hearing aids to low-income Georgia residents through a network of audiologists and hearing aid manufacturers. Prior to GCCN's contract, the Lions Lighthouse Foundation administered the PSC's hearing-aid distribution program. They are still referenced as a provider.

I then asked Chat GPT, "What states have programs for refurbishing and redistributing hearing aids to low-income seniors?" As you might imagine, the reply was lengthy. It gave samples for New Jersey, Illinois, Iowa, Arizona, and Nebraska.

Your ChatGPT research could be copied and posted here as a PDF attachment to a comment. Would you consider doing that?

Richmond Shreve

NaCCRA Board Member & VP

Forum Moderator

In the attachment is a sampling of information provided by Chat GPT about programs around the country for collecting, refurbishing, and distributing hearing aids to low income people. I have just become aware of this and am contacting the Health Advisory Committee here at Canterbury Court to see if they will make connections for us to do this in Georgia.

Here is another way that information is presented by Chat GPT on the subject of recycling hearing aids. It is in the form of an Excel spreadsheet with clickable links.