FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW DOES THE REFERRAL PROCESS WORK?
Call us (877-354-3271) or email us (hearnashville@gmail.com) and leave a message. After you have left us a voicemail or e-mail, a trained volunteer will contact you as soon as possible to discuss if you would qualify for one of the assistance programs. If you qualify for a program, we will send you an instruction letter and application with the steps you will need to take in order to apply for a program and complete all of your appointments.
HOW LONG DOES THE APPLICATION PROCESS TAKE?
The application and approval process varies for each program, and may also vary in accordance with appointment availability. The average patient takes any where from 3-6 weeks to complete the application, approval, and fitting process.
WHAT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE?
We refer patients to two different assistance programs based on different qualifications. The two programs include HearNow©, provided by Starkey Hearing Foundation and HEAR LINK, provided by HEAR Nashville.
WHAT DETERMINES IF I QUALIFY FOR AN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM?
Qualification is based primarily on household income and family size. Therefore, a HEAR Nashville representative will ask you several questions about your household annual income, health insurance, and some other related information to determine if you may qualify for one of our assistance programs.
CAN CHILDREN GET HEARING AIDS THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS?
Children (age 0-18) are not eligible to receive assistance through the programs. However, there are often other options available for obtaining assistance through insurance, school systems, or other programs as well. Contact your insurance company and school system to determine if they could assist you in the purchase of hearing aids.
DO I NEED TO HAVE MY HEARING TESTED?
Yes, all of our programs require that you have a hearing test completed in the last 6 months. If you need to have your hearing tested, our representative can send you information about where to go and how to set-up this appointment.
HOW MUCH DO HEARING AIDS COST?
Typically, new good-quality digital hearing aids cost from $3000 to $5000 or more per pair. However, through HEAR Nashville, you only pay an application fee and we arrange the rest of the cost. The cost of the application fee ranges from $125-150 for each hearing aid, depending on the program that you may qualify for. Both programs will cover the initial cost of the hearing aids; however, this does not include further maintenance and supplies that are needed to maintain your hearing aid(s).
ARE PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE?
At present, none of our programs offers payment plans for qualified patients. However, if you have concerns about payment for your hearing aids, please discuss this with one of our volunteers.
WHAT KIND OF HEARING AIDS CAN I GET THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS?
All programs offer behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. All hearing aids purchased through the assistance programs are brand new hearing aids; they are not recycled or refurbished.
WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE?
We have hearing test options available for non-insured patients. Please contact us to discuss a way we can help you obtain a hearing test.
WHAT IF I HAVE HEARING AID BENEFITS?
Insurance companies will often pay for the hearing evaluation. Some offer a small benefit to pay for the hearing aids themselves. If this is the case for you, your eligibility will depend on the amount the insurance company will pay.
WHERE WILL I GO FOR MY HEARING AID APPOINTMENTS?
All patients will receive services through a licensed audiologist closest to their homes who is a community partner with HEAR Nashville. We have multiple partners throughout the Middle Tennessee area. Contact us today to find a provider near you.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
Contact us today to start your journey to better hearing. Give us a call or fill out the form to connect you with a volunteer and discuss how we can help.
(877) 354-3271
(615) 442-8333