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abc11.com: Hearing Aid Program & Regional Services
The North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing established a Hearing Aid Distribution Program (TEDP) in January 2005.
This program, approved by the Public Utilities Commission in late 2004, became part of the Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program that DSDHH administers.
Prior to the establishment of this program, consumers of North Carolina had no real financial assistance available to them for obtaining needed hearing aids. Many consumers often are unable to obtain hearing aids due to financial constraints. Medicare, Medicaid and most health insurance plans do not offer benefits for hearing aid coverage for adults. As a result, adult consumers do not have access to proper communication thus impacting their quality of life. The ability to communicate is crucial in the ability to experience a meaningful life. In many adults, feelings of loneliness and isolation surface because loss of hearing prevents proper access to communication. These feelings, in turn, can and often times lead to the onset of depression.
DSDHH recognized the gap that existed in the provision of hearing aid technology and decided to take action. It established the program that would provide TEDP-eligible individuals with one hearing aid that contains a device known as the Telecoil or "T-Switch." This device allows for better communication on the telephone by making the hearing aid and telephone compatible. Background noise is shut out and sound is directly amplified into the ear by the hearing aid. Use of the Telecoil also keeps the hearing aid from producing feedback or, as is familiar to many, "squealing".
The program has had overwhelming response from consumers in the State who are in need of hearing aids. Though the program was established in early 2005, DSDHH did not start receiving applications for assistance until April of the same year. Since that time, hearing aids have been distributed to many individuals who otherwise would not have them. The program is growing in popularity as the word spreads across the state. Applications for hearing aid assistance continue to flood DSDHH.
The Regional Centers provide services for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind living in North Carolina. As an integral part of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, the centers are open to customers and their families, professionals, and individuals seeking information or assistance. The centers provide a myriad of services including the following:
Advocacy and Consultation
Communication Support
Information and Referral
Outreach and Education
Community Programs
Collaboration with community organizations
Monthly calendar of events
For a more in-depth look at DSDHH and the programs and services provided please visit our website:
NC DHHS Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing
The North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing established a Hearing Aid Distribution Program (TEDP) in January 2005.
This program, approved by the Public Utilities Commission in late 2004, became part of the Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program that DSDHH administers.
Prior to the establishment of this program, consumers of North Carolina had no real financial assistance available to them for obtaining needed hearing aids. Many consumers often are unable to obtain hearing aids due to financial constraints. Medicare, Medicaid and most health insurance plans do not offer benefits for hearing aid coverage for adults. As a result, adult consumers do not have access to proper communication thus impacting their quality of life. The ability to communicate is crucial in the ability to experience a meaningful life. In many adults, feelings of loneliness and isolation surface because loss of hearing prevents proper access to communication. These feelings, in turn, can and often times lead to the onset of depression.
DSDHH recognized the gap that existed in the provision of hearing aid technology and decided to take action. It established the program that would provide TEDP-eligible individuals with one hearing aid that contains a device known as the Telecoil or "T-Switch." This device allows for better communication on the telephone by making the hearing aid and telephone compatible. Background noise is shut out and sound is directly amplified into the ear by the hearing aid. Use of the Telecoil also keeps the hearing aid from producing feedback or, as is familiar to many, "squealing".
The program has had overwhelming response from consumers in the State who are in need of hearing aids. Though the program was established in early 2005, DSDHH did not start receiving applications for assistance until April of the same year. Since that time, hearing aids have been distributed to many individuals who otherwise would not have them. The program is growing in popularity as the word spreads across the state. Applications for hearing aid assistance continue to flood DSDHH.
The Regional Centers provide services for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind living in North Carolina. As an integral part of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, the centers are open to customers and their families, professionals, and individuals seeking information or assistance. The centers provide a myriad of services including the following:
Advocacy and Consultation
Communication Support
Information and Referral
Outreach and Education
Community Programs
Collaboration with community organizations
Monthly calendar of events
For a more in-depth look at DSDHH and the programs and services provided please visit our website:
NC DHHS Division of Services for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing