I’m rather new to these forums and have already found a lot of very useful information. Thanks to all involved. I was surprised to not find more references to state run vocational rehabilitation services. I’m not sure how other states assist the hard of hearing/deaf community, but in Indiana they are buying me new aids (Aquaris 3mi w/ minitek) and the cost to me including testing, earmolds, fitting etc. is nothing.
The only requirements that I can tell are you have to be employed and of course have a hearing loss that fits their definition of significant to effect employment. (not sure what these guidelines are)
My audi referred me and after an initial interview, with the voc rehab couselor, in which I had to provide a recent the counselor submitted an application for assistance. About 10 days later my audi called to say which aids she was recommending (we had already discussed this during the initial visit in which she referred me to voc rehab) and I had to go back to see the counselor one time before they would order the aids and ear molds.
The whole process can take several weeks to a couple of months depending on how busy the couselors and audiologist are, but for me it appears I will get it completed in about 30 days.
The down sides, if you call them down sides are: a) It can be time consuming b) the list of approved aids are not the top of the line aids currently on the market, though they appear not to be the bottom of the line either. c) It’s pretty much a one-time-ony service unless you continue to suffer further significant hearing loss down the road or have a change of duties/job that requires a different aid. d) It’s state budget dependant so some years are better than others as are some counties are better than others. Hope this helps other hoosiers and maybe someone from another state with similar programs.
You’re ignoring this member’s posts.