MNCDHH received many similar questions about hearing aids, insurance coverage, and affordability. To address a topic that many people have questions about, we decided to create a three-part series on hearing aids.

Part 3: I'm losing my hearing as an older adult and I think I need hearing aids. What do I do?

The first thing to do is recognize that you are not alone. Hearing loss is a common part of aging and it takes time to adjust. Now is the time to get resources and help and bring your family and friends along with you on your journey. 

We suggest that you begin by watching the movie, Hearing Loss Matters, a 26-minute documentary film about age-related hearing loss, co-produced by MNCDHH and TPT Twin Cities PBS. 

After you have watched the film, visit MNCDHH's special Hearing Loss Matters website for adults experiencing age-related hearing loss, their families, friends, coworkers, health providers, and public policy workers. Help and resources are available and listed on this site. Please use it to research your options.

If you are interested in purchasing hearing aids, here is what you can do.

• Schedule an appointment with an audiologist or licensed hearing aid dispenser
• Contact your insurance company to find out about your coverage for hearing health care

Financial resources

If you are pursuing financial aid to help with the costs of hearing aids, below are lists that individual organizations have put together.

• Hearing Loss Association of America - List of financial resources
• Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHSD) - List of financial resources

Additional information

• If you missed the earlier newsletters, check out Part 1: Hearing Aids for Children (Birth to 18) and Part 2: Hearing Aids for Adults.
• Read MNCDHH's newsletter about the legalization of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids, which will be a future option for adults with suspected mild to moderate hearing loss. 

Special thanks to Mary Bauer from the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHSD) for her help with the hearing aid newsletter series.

Is this answer helpful? If you have more questions, please email anne.sittner-anderson@state.mn.us.