Hearing Aids



Are there any healthcare pros out there who can advise me about purchasing a hearing aid? My mom recently tested positive for hard of hearing and Kaiser Permanente suggested a hearing aid. The problem is Kaiser does not pay for, subsidize or issue hearing aids. I inquired if Medicare would pay for or subsidize the expense and Kaiser Permanente said no. Hearing aids cost between $500 to $2,000 - how's a senior citizen, on a limited income, supposed to afford this?



I'm sure I can't be the only boomer navigating these new waters on behalf of parents. It's very difficult to find the information from reliable sources. We need a clearinghouse of information pertinent to senior issues, etc. I'm thinking that Medicare may not subsidize a hearing aid for my mom because she has medical insurance through Kaiser.



I've already faxed the information to the California Access Program, so that my mom can receive a special phone to assist her hearing. Many times my mom can't hear what I'm saying and i either repeat or she says nothing about being unable to hear and changes the conversation. I just wish there was more that I could do. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.