News and Music Discovery
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

New Program Assists Kentuckians Hard of Hearing

Udo Schroter, Wikimedia Commons

A new program may increase access to hearing aids for Kentuckians with hearing impairments. The Kentucky Assistive Technology Service, or KATS, Network is accepting hearing aids of any age or condition through its Statewide Hearing Aid Assistance and Reuse Program known as SHARP.

KATS Network director Jimmy Brown said there were nearly 695,000 Kentuckians last year who were deaf or hard of hearing. That’s nearly 20 percent of the state’s population. Brown said he is excited about the potential impact of SHARP.

“There’s no way to gauge the importance of being able to communicate with those around you and simply put, these devices are not affordable to everyone," Brown said. "This program, hopefully, will make these devices more accessible to Kentuckians who otherwise may not have the resources necessary to obtain them."

Medicare and most health insurance plans do not cover hearing aids, which can cost from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. Those who qualify and receive a hearing aid from SHARP are expected to cover audiologist fees.

Donated hearing aids will be refurbished with a one-year warranty or used for parts. The KATS Network will collect donated devices at any local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, which can be reached at 1-800-372-7172, or at one of the following regional offices:

The Center for Accessible Living – Murray
1051 N. 16th St., Suite C
Murray, Kentucky 42071

Western Kentucky Assistive Technology Center (WKATC) at Wendell Foster's Campus
815 Triplett St.
Owensboro, Kentucky 42302

For more information about the program, contact the KATS Network at 1-800-327-5287.

A proud native of Murray, Kentucky, Allison grew up roaming the forests of western Kentucky and visiting national parks across the country. She graduated in 2014 from Murray State University where she studied Environmental Sustainability, Television Production, and Spanish. She loves meeting new people, questioning everything, and dancing through the sun and the rain. She hopes to make a positive impact in this world several endeavors at a time.
Related Content