LCIF has affordable, high-quality hearing aids available to Lions clubs in the United States for low-income members of the their communities. The two types of digital hearing aids from Rexton, Inc. can be purchased for $200 per aid from the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project (Lions AHAP).

Ninety-five percent of individuals with hearing loss can be successfully treated with hearing aids yet 30 percent are unable to afford hearing aids. Seven million people in the U.S. cannot afford to purchase hearing aids. In 2005, the average cost of a hearing aid was $1,900, and most people need two hearing aids. Hearing is critical to communication, so when there is even a minimal loss, it affects all aspects of a person’s life. For example, people with untreated hearing loss make an estimated 50% to 70% less in wages than their hearing peers.

The two types of aids offer Lions clubs the opportunity to help with almost any type of hearing loss. Reducing communication breakdown for one person creates a ripple effect that touches everyone in the community. And, based on feedback from the program so far, many clubs are revitalized and often recruit new members committed to the new service.

Please consider participating in this program. To learn more about Lions AHAP, please visit http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/lcif_gr_ahap.shtml or contact the office at 630-571-5466, ext. 615. The e-mail address is LionsAHAP@lionsclubs.org.