The UW Speech and Hearing Clinic Hearing Aid Assistance Program (HAAP) assists adults on a low income to obtain appropriate hearing healthcare. Patients are fit with refurbished behind-the-ear hearing aids which have been donated to the program. Services are provided by AuD graduate student clinicians under the supervision of a licensed audiologist.
How do patients qualify?
- Individuals must have a documented hearing loss based on an examination by a qualified hearing healthcare professional. There is no minimum hearing loss requirement.
- Low income or low financial resources
- Due to the nature of this clinic, those on Medicaid/WA Apple health do not qualify.
What kind of hearing aids does the Hearing Aid Assistance Program provide?
- Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Receiver in the Canal (RIC) hearing aids
- HAAP hearing aids come with a 6-month repair warranty.
What are the responsibilities and cost to the patient?
- Non-refundable administrative fee of $100 to be paid at the time of the initial consultation appointment.
- Hearing aid copayments at the time of the fitting appointment will be due:
- $250 monaural or $550 binaural hearing aid, and
- $80 per earmold if applicable
- The total cost to the patient varies based on what the fitting audiologist determines to be appropriate
- The professional fitting fee covers the following: hearing aid fitting and evaluation (programming, Real-ear measurements), counseling and instruction on the device, and two follow up adjustment appointments: one within 2-4 weeks post fitting; one- six months post fitting).
- Hearing aids may be returned during the initial trial period (30 days) with a partial refund. The administrative fee of $100 is non-refundable.
Overview of the HAAP
To Apply:
-
Please mail the completed UW HAAP Application to shclinic@uw.edu or this address:
UW Speech & Hearing Clinic
ATTN: HAAP
4131 15th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105
- After receiving your application, You will be contacted about your candidacy for the HAAP. If you are a candidate for our program, you will be added to our waitlist.
- The program coordinator will contact you to schedule an initial consultation when there is availability.
- During the initial consultation, the fitting audiologist will conduct a hearing evaluation, if needed, and obtain information about your lifestyle and hearing goals to identify the appropriate hearing aids for you.
- Following this initial consultation, a hearing aid fitting and orientation will be scheduled (approximately 3 weeks later).
- After the hearing aid fitting, there are two follow-up appointments where the audiologist will make adjustments to fine tune your hearing aids. These occur at two weeks post fitting, and six months post fitting.
Community Audiologists
- At this time, the HAAP is unable to accommodate community audiologist participation. Please contact the HAAP office with any questions.
Donations
- The HAAP relies on community donations to provide access to hearing aids to those in financial need. HAAP gladly accepts donations of all styles of used hearing aids.This is a tax-deductible donation. Please DO NOT donate batteries, dry aid kits, or accessories.
Contact Information
For Questions, please email shclinic@uw.edu or call 206-543-5440 and leave a message with the receptionist. Your email/call will be returned within 48 hours.