The Hearing Foundation

The Hearing Foundation provides hearing aids, batteries, research and training to improve the lives of low-income hearing-impaired children and adults in the USA and throughout the world.

How do you help people in my community?

Hearing loss currently affects more than 31 million Americans, and is the most prevalent disability in the world. Hearing loss strikes regardless of age, race or gender, and without proper treatment and support, can be devastating to individuals and families.   Ninety percent of hearing losses can be treated with the use of hearing instruments.  The Starkey Hearing Foundation’s domestic program, HEAR NOW, has provided more than 80,000 hearing aids to U.S. residents.  NEAR NOW assists individuals who are residents of the United States and qualify under the National Poverty Guidelines for assistance.  Put simply, HEAR NOW is a domestic assistance program for people who otherwise would not be able to afford hearing aids. 

While hearing loss is frequently inevitable, in many cases, much can be done to prevent impairment.  In addition to helping those individuals who have already suffered hearing loss, the Starkey Hearing Foundation has launched a campaign aimed at educating the public about the effects of the misuse of popular electronic devices and other preventable causes.  Through its “Don’t Say What?” program (www.dontsaywhat.org ), the Starkey Hearing Foundation aims to bring one of the audiology community’s most critical issues to the forefront of consumer awareness. 

Why do you need my support?

The importance of your contribution can be better appreciated when you consider the true significance of the gift of hearing.  By facilitating the exchange of thoughts, ideas and feelings, hearing forms the building blocks of human relations.  What would the value of our cherished freedom of speech be if we were denied the freedom of hearing!

Every minute of every day, so many enjoy a better-sounding world thanks to help provided through the Starkey Hearing Foundation.  From all walks of life, all circumstances, all corners of the globe, they receive the precious gift of sound.  With your support, we will continue to provide the gift of better hearing for many more children. 

It is an unfortunate reality that everything we do requires money. Flights and travel plans, hearing aid purchases, donation processing and hearing education all require financial assistance.

However, there is one very fortunate side to this reality – whether your donation is small or large, the many donations together help make what the Foundation and its volunteers do possible. Any assistance is truly appreciated and needed.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

In 2006, less than 10% of all funds received by the Starkey Hearing Foundation was spent on administrative and fundraising costs.  More than 90% of contributions goes toward our programs – providing the gift of hearing to those who could otherwise not afford it and promoting hearing health awareness while supporting research and education.

In addition, the Starkey Hearing Foundation accounts for its funds in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and is audited annually by an independent certified public accountant. 

The Starkey Hearing Foundation also has a hearing aid recycling program.  HEAR NOW accepts donations of old, used and no longer used hearing aids.  Donated aids are sold to a repair lab, and money generated through these sales is used to purchase the aids used in the program’s hearing aid assistance program.  Since 1995, more than 295,000 hearing aids were recycled.

Can I Volunteer? How?

You can help by getting involved, whether it be a monetary donation, donating used hearing aids for the recycle program, or simply spreading the word.  We encourage you to become part of a wonderful cause and future mission activities.  Many people inquire about going on a hearing mission.  The first step is to raise funds or become a mission sponsor.  We have ongoing missions in development year round, but need funding. Click here to email us for more information about becoming a mission sponsor.