Hearing Aid Program
One of our goals at the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) is to make hearing aids accessible to those that could benefit from amplifying sound. That is why we offer hearing aids to some individuals at no cost, helping them regain control of their auditory world without the burden of hefty expenses.
Digital hearing aids come in a variety of styles, but they all share 4 basic components:
Microphone
Captures the sounds around you
Computer Chip
Processes the captured sounds
Speaker
Delivers the enhanced sound
back to your ear
Battery
Powers the hearing aid
Eligibility Requirements
To receive hearing aids from this program, you must meet the following criteria:
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Be 50 years of age or older.
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Proof of Louisiana residency.
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Have hearing loss with pure tone average of 40dB or worse (1,000, 2,000, 3,000 & 4,000 hertz) documented by an audiologist or instrument specialist.
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Meet the income requirements listed below, which are based on the 2022 federal poverty level:
Accessing Services
LCD has Regional Service Centers (RSCs) around the state which coordinate hearing aid services.
To receive hearing aids through this program, please follow the steps:
*Please do not create more than one entry as this can delay the process
*Please contact your local RSC if any of your personal information changes after submitting your name to the referral list. If you do not let us know your information has changed, your services may be delayed.
Register:
Enter your contact information on the referral list using the link below.
Wait for someone to contact you:
Wait for someone to contact you- your local RSC will contact you to make an appointment at their location to verify documentation of eligibility. If you are unsure if you meet the eligibility requirements based on age, residence and income, please contact your local RSC to confirm. Appointment availability may take between 1-6 months, so please be patient.
Verification Appointment at RSC:
At the appointment with your local RSC, you will need to bring documentation showing proof of age, residence, and income requirements. Once verification of eligibility has been determined, the RSC will assist you in scheduling an appointment with a hearing aid specialist in your area to conduct a hearing exam. The RSC will also coordinate any services (such as interpreting) that may be needed for the appointment(s).
Hearing Test Appointment:
At the appointment with the hearing specialist, they will test your hearing and let you know if you need hearing aids or not. If you do, they may fit you with the aids, or they may have to be ordered and picked up at a later date. The specialist will also tell you how to care for and maintain the equipment. Hearing aids are expected to last five years before being replaced.
All Done!
Once services are completed, please let us know about your experience by filling out this Consumer Satisfaction Survey.
Regional Service Center Responsibilities
📖 Read the Service Provision Manual for the current requirements.