Assistance to Southington residents with hearing loss

Easterseals Center for Better Hearing has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Main Street Community Foundation. The grant will provide qualifying residents of Southington, Marion, Milldale and Plantsville assistance with hearing technology.

Most people are familiar with Easterseals as a valuable resource for persons and families facing physical or intellectual disabilities, however, many people report that they do not understand the connection between Easterseals and hearing loss. Our audiologists at the Center for Better Hearing as part of Easterseals believe that anyone facing disability can reach their full potential. Our board certified audiologists focus on meeting the needs of all our patients.

Hearing loss is very prevalent and is often over-looked as a disability. According to the World Health Organization, around 466 million persons around the world have a disabling hearing loss. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that over 28.8 million adults in the US could benefit from hearing aids, yet less than 30% have ever used hearing aids.

Untreated hearing loss in adults has been linked to depression, social isolation, dementia, cognitive impairment and other communication disorders. Treatment for hearing loss may include assistive devices and/or hearing aids, however, for some there are barriers to receiving this care.

“Historically, access to hearing aids and hearing assistive technology has been problematic for many senior citizens that are on a fixed income, because traditional Medicare does not cover hearing aids or evaluations for hearing aids” says Dr. Annette A. Burton, audiologist and director of the Easterseals Center for Better Hearing. “We are excited to partner with the Main Street Foundation to provide assistance to help seniors in the Greater Southington area with the cost of their hearing care.”

Grant assistance is limited to qualified senior citizens who are residents of Southington, Marion, Milldale and Plantsville. Recipients will receive an evaluation for hearing aids and a will receive funding towards a percentage of the cost of hearing technology and/or hearing aids.

All services will be provided by a licensed and board-certified audiologist at one of the 3 Easterseals Center for Better Hearing locations. Applications can be obtained by calling 203 754-5141 ext 225 or email betterhearing@eswct.com

Throughout the Greater Waterbury, Central and Northwest CT communities, we strive to provide a broad network of services, including audiology in three locations ( Meriden, Watertown and Southbury). These services assist children, adults and their families to live, learn, work and play as integral members of the community. Easterseals is changing the way the world defines and views disabilities by making profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day.

For more information please visit www.betterhearingct.com or www.easterseals.com/Waterburyc...