Charities Devoted to Advancing Hearing Health

With so many charities available to choose from, picking one can seem like an overwhelming task. Selecting which charities to support financial is based on several factors including the cause itself, the reputation of the organization and the intended use of the funds. You can become a part of one of many national and international charity organizations that lend their time and resources to helping those in need of better hearing health.

• Hearing Loss Association of America – With 14 state organizations, Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) leads the way in the U.S. as the largest national organization for sufferers of hearing loss. HLAA provides education, resources, and support to people with hearing loss and to their families. They also strive to promote public awareness and prevention at local, state, and national levels. Visit the HLAA website at www.hearingloss.org to become a member or for information about upcoming charity walks in your area.

• Hearing Health Foundation – Collette Baker Ramsey, a woman who suffered from hearing loss herself, created Hearing Health Foundation in the 1950s. The organization has two main areas of focus. One is research into new treatments and cures for hearing loss. The other is hearing loss prevention through public education. For example, the largest research project at the moment focuses on cures for tinnitus. If you wish to contribute to Hearing Health Foundation, there are several ways to help. The foundation accepts one-time gifts and monthly donations, as well as other financial contributions. More hands-on ways to get involved include sharing your hearing loss experience in the form of a letter or video, participating in a fundraising event or even launching a new research grant. Visit their website at www.hearinghealthfoundation.org for more information, news and updates.

• Starkey Hearing Foundation – Starkey Hearing Foundation is a national and international organization that offers three programs for hearing needs: Hear Now, Listen Carefully, and Hearing Aid Recycling. The Listen Carefully program provides education to school age children on the dangers of listening to high-decibel music. The Hearing Aid Recycling does exactly what the name implies. It accepts donations of used hearing aids and refurbishes them for people who cannot afford a new one. Hear Now provides financial assistance to U.S. residents in need of hearing aids. Visit the Starkey Hearing Foundation website at www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org for more details about each individual program or to make a donation.