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Hearing Aids

Greetings Fellow Old People,

As most of us are approaching or are members of the 75-85 crowd, the issue of hearing has taken on a sense of urgency, especially for me. Like most Vets with aural problems, I approached the VA only to be told that I could not successfully make a service related case for my hearing loss and that I was at my own expense for any hearing aid procurement.

I did some research and found that yes, I would have to pay for any hearing aids but I stumbled onto a program called "Retirees At-Cost Hearing Aid Program" (RACHAP). I accessed the program details via the web and found Ft Rucker, AL as a site reasonably close to me where I could participate. I phoned them at the number provided, enrolled over the phone and subsequently attended an appointment where I got a full Audiology examination and the opportunity to buy custom made PHONAK or RESOUND units (valued at $6000. and $4500. respectively) at cost which came to $750 or $650 depending on my choice of PHONAK or RESOUND. I have made my selection, the units have been ordered and I will go back to Ft Rucker for a fitting and delivery of the units in 4-6 weeks. Its easy and the best option I can find for non-service related hearing issues. The only cost was for the units. The audiology exam was free and I might add, the most comprehensive exam I've ever received.

The only down side, sorta, is that I will be on my own for service and/or repairs. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. But, if I need an update 5 years or so down the line, I can return to Ft Rucker and do the process again.

I know its not the best solution in the world but its a pretty good option.

For those of you who live along the east or west coast, there are several bases that have the program.

One can google RACHAP or go to the web Site "www.military.audiology.org/aids" and view the details and an addendum that lists all the bases (worldwide) that have an active RACHAP program.

Just thought I would share the info although some may be familiar.

J

Re: Hearing Aids

Just went on the site you mentioned (or tried to) www.military.audiology.org/aids, only to get the dreaded " Sorry, the website www.military.audiology.org cannot be found." Alert. Maybe it's because i was trying from here in the UK?

Re: Hearing Aids

Omit the "www" and it works OK. http://militaryaudiology.org/aids/

Re: Hearing Aids

Jerry's correct. No www and too many dots. My bad.
Just google RACHAP or follow Jerry's tip.

J

Re: Hearing Aids

I had a friend that was a WW2 marine vet who lived in The Villages, recently deceased. He went to the VA and they paid for his hearing aid. As he is no longer with us, cannot ask. But I do know that he was not on any disability and was 85 years old. Only can say that whoever goes to the VA for anything----BE PERSISTENT !!!!

Re: Hearing Aids

Nick,

If you are/were an in-country War veteran of any conflict, VA has an open door policy as it should be. For example, one of my family members served one year in vietnam and immediately received VA support in acquiring hearing aids. Again, as it should be.

But, vets that served in a sedentary env cannot always make a successful case and persistence normally means going months or years without some needed hearing assistance.

As I said in the original post, RACHAP is a good option.

J

Re: Hearing Aids

Thanks John----good information and appropriate benefit

Re: Hearing Aids & PSA Test now you are paying a Deductable??

I am sure no one wants to "Hear" this but there is a 2015-2016 Medicare Hearing aid bill being considered. Just a bit of info that may or may not be something to look at down the road.
Any one else experience a bill from the Lab for an amount that TRICARE called a deductable for the PSA Test.. It was over a year between tests, was over 65 at time of test. TRICARE rep I talked to had NO knowledge that would help..//??
Chuck

Re: Hearing Aids

John, thanks for that reference- will contact them tomorrow. I brought this subject up last year and also went to the VA, only to be turned down because of income. I have called a local VA advocate 7 or 8 times with no return call. My hearing is not good and the tinnitus is even worse.

Re: Hearing Aids

I've lost hearing in one ear. My doctor recommended the linked device to facilitate hearing the TV and during driving. This may not work for everyone, and it simply amplifies sound without expensive filtering, but it is a cost effective solution that works.

http://www.amazon.com/Msa-30x-Sound-Amplifier-Clamshell/dp/B00CXTLRXK/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=11PNP0F0PS5M1G2ZQEBV

Re: Hearing Aids

Guess I lucked out got 60% service connected for heart disease so use VA for most everything. Got hearing aids this past August, I somehow got a 10% on hearing for tinnitus.

Re: Hearing Aids

That's interesting David. I think it goes back to what Nick said in an earlier post about Persistence sometimes paying off. Occasionally, one runs into a gung ho VA rep and they go an extra mile to get a percentage disability or find a way to declare eligibility for a program, etc.

The guy I have locally probably meets the minimum standards. His office hours are from 5 AM to 1200 PM. I asked him how much business he conducted during the early morning hours and he admitted that he seldom sees anyone during those hours but he uses the time to "catch up" and chat with his fellow reps in different time zones about new and/or evolving programs. When I saw him at 7AM, his eyes looked suspiciously as if he had been napping in the office.

I don't have the data points to really understand the VA reps actual workload and I'm sure that varies based on Geo location and again, the individual reps motivation.

All in all, I can't find much to complain about in terms of mine and Pat's medical coverage. As to Chuck's post about a deductible for the PSA test, I havn't had that happen as yet. Like most, I get the PSA on an annual basis and to date, I've havn't spent a penny out of pocket.

OK, enough rambling. This health coverage thing can eat up a conversation. I just can't imagine what its like for the non veterans!!!!

J

Re: Hearing Aids

Have you tried talking to a service organization (VFW, American Legion, etc) they have people who liaison with VA.

Re: Hearing Aids

David,

I havn't been involved with any of those orgs. To be honest, I'm really quite happy with the medical coverage we receive, even the hearing aid thing. In my case, my entire family from my 98 year old Mother (that can probably outrun me) to my 62 year old brother have hearing problems. I really couldn't look the VA in the eye and say the words, "Service Related". So, to find the state of the art hearing aid technology at 1/10th of the cost seemed like quite a benefit to me.

J

Re: Hearing Aids

I called the VA hospital in West Palm Beach, FL and they do not offer the program John posted about. The site lists Military Hospitals that participate.
Check it out.
CEC

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