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About H.E.A.R.S.
In 1988, H.E.A.R.S., or Hearing, Education And Rehabilitative Services, was launched to provide hearing aids to low-income people who could not otherwise afford them.
This program, like all of Easter Seals Southern Colorado's programs, serves adults and children who reside in El Paso, Pueblo, and Teller Counties.
It is supported by both the Continental Divide and South Colorado SERTOMA club districts, as
well as by community support, through monetary donations, volunteer assistance and donations of hearing aids.
F.A.Q.s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q How do I know if I qualify for H.E.A.R.S. assistance to get a hearing aid ?
A First you must contact Easter Seals Southern Colorado for an application.
Once you complete the application and attach all relevant documentation, return the application to Easter Seals. The H.E.A.R.S. Committee meets on the last Friday of each month to review applications.
Approvals are made based on income and family size, and are assigned a percentage discount (from 10% to 100%) based on the Committee's guidelines.
Applicants are notified of the Committee's decision during the first week of the month following each meeting.
ALL information submitted to H.E.A.R.S. with this application is kept strictly confidential.
Q How do I get a hearing aid after I have qualified for this program ?
Your approval letter will contain the names and contact information for Ear Nose and Throat specialists and/or audiologists who have agreed to participate in the H.E.A.R.S. program.
You will be required to contact a provider from this list for evaluation and ordering and fitting of any required aid(s).
Q Can I qualify even if I have Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance converage ?
Absolutely. If you have Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, then you will need to provide this information to the ENT/audiologist's office on the day of your first visit.
Any charges will first be billed to your insurance company. Once they have paid their portion, the H.E.A.R.S. program will pay accordingly.
If you are required to pay a percentage, then you will be billed for that amount. If you do not have insurance, then your percentage discount through the H.E.A.R.S. program will apply.
Q What kind of hearing aids will I receive by going through this program ?
The hearing aids provided through the H.E.A.R.S. program are brand new, behind-the-ear, or in-the-ear, hearing aids, depending on each individual's needs.
The newer digital hearing aids are not provided through this program becuase of their cost and our need to keep expenses down.
Q Who are the professionals involved with the H.E.A.R.S. program ?
The ENT's and audiologists who participate in the H.E.A.R.S. program are certified professionals, licensed to
practice in Colorado, who provide quality care to their patients.
Q Can I get help if I already have a hearing aid ?
Yes. If you already have your own hearing aid(s) which is not working properly, is no longer functioning at all, or does not fit you anymore, H.E.A.R.S. can provide assistance to you in either replacement or repair of one or both of your hearing aids.
The same application process applies.
Q Is there an age requirement or an age limit for application ?
NO! Easter Seals strives to help both adults and children with disabilities.
Q How can I help to ensure the continuation of H.E.A.R.S. ?
To help us continue this program, you may volunteer your time or make monetary donations. Also, H.E.A.R.S. utilizes a recycling
program, which helps defray the cost of the overall program.
We accept donations of hearing aids from individuals who no longer use them, and from local hospitals and mortuaries.
You can also join a local Sertoma Club!
Q How do I contact someone about this program ?
Easter Seals Southern Colorado
225 S. Academy Boulevard, Suite 104
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: 719-574-9002
Fax: 719-574-1330
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