Oklahoma American Veterans News

 
 
HEARING AIDS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS 
 

• Veterans Administration - If you are a Vet be sure to check with the VA 918 628-2500. (Need your VA card? Scroll down to the bottom.)
  
• International Hearing Society 800-521-5247 voice www.ihsinfo.org  for resources in own community; will help identify a competent, professional “hearing instrument specialist” in your area
• Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project (AHAP) 630-571-5466 ext 615 voice www.lionsear.org After years of research, the Lions developed a low cost, high quality hearing aid which at a little over $100 has proven to perform as well as aids that sell for $2,000; available through Lions Clubs in partnership with local audiologists
• www.ahearingaid.com  800-468-9298 Major brand hearing aids at 50% off suggested retail price, hearing aid repair with free shipping, inexpensive batteries with several locations throughout the US. Computer access not required for purchase.
• Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf 866-337-5220 voice 202-337-5221 TTY www.agbell.org Several publications about hearing aid care and consumer handbooks
• Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA or SHHH) 301-657-2248 voice 2249 TTY www.shhh.org National organization of/for individuals who have hearing loss; bi-monthly journal, publications, annual national conference, state chapters

• TSHA, Inc. (Total Source for Hearing-loss and Access) formerly Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association

  Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling Program provides reconditioned hearing aids on a long-term loan basis to needy persons age 65 and over. A nominal processing fee is charged but may be waived in some cases.  Reconditions hearing aids and provides one behind-ear hearing aid to people who would otherwise be unserved. $50 fee, but a waiver may be requested. Joint program of Sertoma and TSHA, Inc.www.tsha.cc/sharp.htm. 
  

  www.tsha.cc 

  8740 E. 11th St., Ste. A • Tulsa, OK 74112
  Voice/TTY (918) 832-8742 • FAX (918) 834-4329
  http://www.tsha.cc/ • dhiggins@tsha.cc
• administrator@tsha.cc

  Tulsa Hearing HelpersProvides information about hearing loss, available services, special equipment, or sign language classes; Tulsa Hearing Helpers, a group for people who experience hearing loss later in life; job placement; independent living, in cooperation with peer counselors who have a hearing impairment; skills training in a variety of areas; interpreter services (sign language); information and referral. Some fees apply. http://www.tsha.cc/thh.htm
  

• AARP 888-687-2277 voice www.aarp.org Thorough resource titled “Consumer Guide to Hearing Aids” and other publications

 
For Low Income-
 

• AUDIENT helps low income people nationwide access quality hearing aids and related care at a significantly lower cost. AUDIENT income qualifies families to be eligible for a discount on brand name hearing aids available through the AUDIENT Alliance's national network of dedicated hearing care providers. Brand selection includes Oticon, Phonak, Siemens, & Widex hearing aids.  Audient Alliance for Accessible Hearing Care 877-283-4368 voice www.audientalliance.org
• Affordable hearing aids for persons who meet low income guidelines
  Better Hearing Institute 800-327-9355 voice www.betterhearing.org Educational material and publications on hearing loss, aids, resources
• The Starkey Hearing Foundation 800-328-8602 voice or 800-648-4327 voice www.sotheworldmayhear.org Ask for or click on the Hear Now program Persons with low income can purchase a hearing aid for the cost of the application process ($100 for one or $200 for two)
• Senior Citizens Hearing Aid ProjectPeople  http://www.ok.gov/abletech/documents/Senior%20Citizens%20Hearing%20Aid%20Project.pdf

• Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment (HIKE) Fund 352-688-2579 voice www.thehikefund.org Provides hearing aids for children age birth to 21 from low income families; parents must call for an application
• Miracle Ear - National 877-268-4264 voice www.miracleear.com Resources for purchase of hearing aids for children

• Area Agencies on Aging
• Centers for Independent Living
• Private Insurance Policies/HMOs
• Union Benefits
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Native Americans should be sure to check with the Indian Health Services.

• Business & Professional Women’s Clubs National Federation 2012 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20036  202-293-1100 www.bpwusa.org
• Civitan International P.O. Box 130744 Birmingham, AL 35213-0744 800-CIVITAN (800-248-4826) www.civitan.org
• Kiwanis International 3636 Woodview Trace Indianapolis, IN 46268-3196 800-549-2647 www.kiwanis.org
• Lions Clubs International 300 West 22nd Street Oak Brook, IL 60523 630-571-5466 ext 615 www.lionsear.org
• Pilot International P.O. Box 4844 Macon, GA 31208-4844 478-743-7403 www.pilotinternational.org
• Quota International, Inc. 1420 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 202-331-9694 www.quota.org
• Rotary International 1 Rotary Center 1560 Sherman Avenue Evanston , IL 60201 847-866-3000 www.rotary.org
• Sertoma International 1912 East Myer Boulevard Kansas City , MO 64132 816-333-8300 www.sertoma.org
• Shriner’s International Headquarters 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607-1460 813-281-0300 www.shrinershq.org
• Service club information from Sound Beginnings, Kansas Resource Guide, 2001. Updated Spring, 2005

This is from the Veterans Administration (VA) Website:

How Do I Get an Identification Card? (VA Health Care Eligibility & Enrollment)

• "VA provides eligible veterans a Veterans Identification Card (VIC) for use at VA health care facilities. Once your eligibility for VA medical benefits is verified and you have your picture taken at your local VA medical facility, your card will be mailed to you, usually within 5 to 7 days.

• The VIC does not contain any sensitive, identifying information such as your social security number or date of birth on the face of the card. The VIC now displays the following special eligibility indicators: Service Connected, Purple Heart, and Former POW (see photo below).

• VICs cannot be used as a credit or an insurance card and it does not authorize or pay for care at non-VA facilities.

• If you lose your card or do not receive your card in the mail, contact the VA where your picture was taken to request a new card be sent to you. You may also contact 877-222-VETS (8387) to check on the status of your card."

•  Active Duty and Retired military are issued ID cards.
  
  

• DD Form 2, is issued to active duty military.
  DD form 2A, is issued to retirees who are entitled to retired pay (They are different colors depending on the service)
  DD Form 1173. Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card is issued to eligible family members of living and deceased retirees. The DD Form 1173 identifies the family member as being eligible for medical care, commissary, exchange, and theater privileges. Medical care at military facilities may be used on a space-available basis.(They are different colors depending on the status - active duty, reserve, retiree, etc)