Help Them Hear What They’ve Been Mission: Providing Hearing Solutions Across Wisconsin.
Hearing impairment is the most common physical disability in the United States, yet it often remains a “silent” disability. Since 1981, the Wisconsin Lions Foundation has been dedicated to ensuring that hearing loss doesn’t prevent our neighbors from connecting with their families and communities.
Our Hearing Project provides high-quality hearing instruments to Wisconsin residents who cannot afford them and do not qualify for other financial assistance. By combining the efforts of local Lions and hearing healthcare professionals, we bridge the gap between hearing loss and a better quality of life.
“According to the Wisconsin Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH), about 500,000 residents have hearing loss..”
Financial Assistance
We provide new hearing instruments to low-income Wisconsin residents. Our project is designed specifically for those who fall through the cracks of existing programs.
Professional Partnerships
We work hand-in-hand with Hearing Healthcare Professionals throughout the state who provide the exams and fittings necessary to ensure every recipient gets a custom hearing device.
Hearing Aid Recycling
Through our recycling program, used hearing aids are turned in for credit. These credits directly fund the purchase of brand-new, high-tech hearing instruments for our recipients.
What We Do
Find a Hearing Aid Donation Site
Your old hearing aids can fund a new pair for someone in need. Use the map below to find a local collection bucket. Our recycling bucket locations accept eyeglasses, hearing aids, and cell phones.
Donate
Your financial gift directly funds our mission and those in need.
Help a Neighbor
Help us identify individuals in your community who are struggling with hearing loss and need financial help.
Raise Awareness
Promote the importance of hearing health in your local club and help reduce the stigma of hearing loss.
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The History and Heart of Our Mission
In 1981, the Lions of MD27 in the Milwaukee area brought a focus to hearing. As the last sensory function to leave us when we fall asleep, and the first to come online when we awaken, hearing provides vital information about our environment. The Wisconsin Lions Foundation (WLF) officially took over this project in November 1998 to provide a resource for Wisconsinites in need of hearing aids.
The Hearing Project helps individuals in Wisconsin who are hard of hearing, cannot afford to purchase a hearing instrument, and do not qualify for other financial assistance to purchase a hearing aid. Approved applicants are provided with either a low-cost or no-cost hearing instrument. This project is supported by the generosity of Wisconsin Lions, donors, hearing healthcare professionals, and hearing instrument manufacturers. We also fund this project through the collection of used hearing aids. These donated hearing aids are turned in for a credit that is used to purchase new hearing instruments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the WLF Hearing Project all about?
The WLF Hearing Project is dedicated to the needs of the Hard of Hearing. It is run by a combined effort of Wisconsin Lions and Hearing Healthcare Professionals throughout the State.
Who is the WLF Hearing Project designed to serve?
The WLF Hearing Project helps Wisconsin’s individuals who are Hard of Hearing, cannot afford to purchase a hearing instrument and do not qualify for any existing state-funded financial assistance programs.
How does the WLF Hearing Project work?
The success of the WLF Hearing Project relies on the collaborative efforts and generosity of Wisconsin Lions, Hearing Healthcare Professionals, and hearing aid manufacturers. Lions Clubs throughout the State collect used hearing aids and provide funding for recipients; Hearing Professionals agree to accept reduced fees for their services; and hearing aid manufacturers provide large discounts on hearing devices dispensed to recipients.
How does an individual apply for assistance from the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Hearing Project?
Any individual interested in receiving assistance from the Project is required to fill out an application for Financial Assistance. Applications can be obtained by contacting a local Lions Club, calling the Foundation Office toll free at (877) 463-6953 or by clicking the application link in our resource section.
How is an applicant’s financial eligibility determined?
Applications are carefully reviewed by the District Hearing Chairperson where the applicant resides. District Hearing Chairpersons refer to the WLF Hearing Project Protocol which provides suggested guidelines to use when making financial eligibility decisions.
Is the information provided on the application kept confidential?
Yes. The only people who see the information provided on the application are the District Hearing Chairperson and the Healthcare Supervisor.
Can an applicant apply for financial assistance after they have purchased a hearing device?
No. Applications for payment of hearing aids that were fitted without prior authorization will not be considered.
Does the WLF Hearing Project pay for hearing evaluations, hearing aid evaluations and/or medical evaluations?
No, simply because the costs of providing these services would be prohibitive. These costs may or may not be the recipient’s responsibility, depending upon their insurance coverage. It is the recipient’s responsibility to check with their insurance carrier regarding these costs.
What types of hearing aids are dispensed to recipients?
The style, brand and model which are most appropriate for the recipient’s hearing needs are determined by a Hearing Professional. All attempts are made to supply the hearing aid of choice; however, if cost is prohibitive, the Hearing Professional and Healthcare Supervisor work together to find the best option.
How is the Hearing Project Funded?
Funding is accomplished through the efforts of District Hearing Chairpersons. Lions Clubs provide funds when they are confident their money goes to a good cause. Chairpersons promote the project via presentations and literature, with support from the Healthcare Supervisor.
Does the WLF Hearing Project pay for the repair of hearing aids?
Yes, if the hearing aid was purchased through the project and the recipient meets the financial criteria. The application procedure is the same as for a new hearing aid, using a modified repair request form.
How important is the collection of used hearing aids?
Absolutely critical. The salvage credit account greatly defrays the costs incurred by the Lions; without it, costs would go up significantly, resulting in fewer individuals receiving help.