Blog Action Day– Help Someone Who Needs Hearing Aids

Thanks to Deaf Mom Karen I learned about Blog Action Day ! 

 

I remember the first pair of hearing aids I got in my early twenties.  We have great health insurance coverage, and I expected my aids would be covered like everything else relating to health.  What a shock it was to learn most health insurance policies didn’t cover hearing aids!  We had to reach deep into our savings to pay.  I don’t even remember what my first pair cost, but they were expensive.  Over the past three decades, I’ve probably spent close to twenty-five thousand dollars on hearing aids, batteries and assistive listening devices.  Maybe more.  I have learned to set aside money just so I could afford new hearing aids every few years.  It’s not an easy expense but do-able for us.  I have been fortunate.  We have extra to set aside. 

 

But what happens to those who don’t have an extra $3000.00 sitting in a bank account?  What about those living pay check to pay check barely able to put food on the table?   Statistics show that nearly one-fifth of the thirty million people with hearing loss in the US can’t afford hearing aids.  They go without.  The biggest impact is on the working poor. 

 

Those who can’t afford hearing aids have difficulties communicating effectively and become less productive in their work.  They have a hard time talking with clients, on the phone, and interviewing for better positions.  Often, deafness is new to them.  They haven’t been prepared for life with hearing loss.  Learning to communicate through lip reading or sign language takes time and experience–and money!  They don’t know where to turn for help.  With fewer opportunities they end up in a never ending cycle of poverty.  What a waste of talent this is!  

 

Luckily there’s a place to turn for help.  The Lion’s Club.   Many of you have probably seen them raising money in a shopping mall or heard of them.  The Lions Club is an international organization that provides hearing aids to the needy who can’t afford them.  In 2005, they donated nearly 2million dollars in hearing aids and audiology services to the poor in the United States alone.  They also help fund projects for the hard-of-hearing in other parts of the world, as well as the blind and victims of natural disaster. 

 

I have never asked for money in my blog before.  I don’t have ads on my page– not that there’s anything wrong with that.  I am not interested in making money blogging.  I have a job, enough money, and a good life.  Most every day, I have more to be thankful for than not.  

In honor of Blog Action Day I couldn’t think of a better organization to donate than one that provides hearing aids to those who can’t afford them.  As many of you know, I have a love-hate relationship with mine.  Hate them, but couldn’t live without them.  To me they’re as valuable as a set of diamond ear rings.  AND they are literally worth more!  I’m sure I wouldn’t be working in my current job without them.  So I’m asking you to help me contribute to the Lion’s Club.  I’ve set up an account through Chip In.  Just click on the link there and follow the prompts for donating.  Every single cent you donate will be turned over to the Lions Club earmarked for hearing aids.   

 

Thanks so much.  These are hard times for many.  Your donations couldn’t be more important or more appreciated.