Hearing loss in children can cause significant developmental problems. Although hearing aids help to alleviate these problems, not everyone can afford them. Fortunately, California expanded its program to provide hearing aids to more children, effective January 1, 2023.
HEAR Center provides hearing aids and other support for people of all ages with hearing loss.
What Is the Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program?
The state of California provides hearing aids and services to eligible children ages 0-20 through the HACCP. To qualify, you must:
- Live in California
- Not have more than $1,500 of health insurance coverage for hearing aids
- Have a total household income below 600% of the federal poverty level
- Not receive services for a hearing condition from California Children’s Services
- Have a provider referral or valid hearing aid prescription
- Not be eligible for Medi-Cal
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for the program online, by mail, or by faxing your application. If approved, you won’t pay anything out-of-pocket. Your provider receives reimbursement directly from HACCP. This income-based government program provides several benefits, including:
- Hearing aids
- Hearing aid accessories if they’re medically necessary
- Supplies, such as batteries
- Audiology and post-evaluation services related to hearing aids
The types of hearing devices can vary. If a surface-worn bone conduction device is medically necessary, you must submit a treatment authorization request and receive approval.
Why Do Children Need Hearing Aids?
Children begin to develop from birth, and hearing what’s happening around them is a vital part of a child’s growth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children who receive hearing loss services early are more likely to achieve their full potential. Even infants can benefit from hearing assistance, so talk to your child’s physician if you think your baby or child is having trouble hearing.
The human brain has auditory brain pathways, but these deteriorate if they don’t process sounds. If a child with hearing loss isn’t treated before they are around 3-1/2 years old, their brain loses a significant amount of the ability to learn how to use the auditory pathways. Intervention after the 3.5-year timeframe typically isn’t as successful.
Untreated hearing loss can cause:
- Underdeveloped communication skills
- Balance disorders that affect sitting and walking abilities
- Poor behavior
- Learning problems and trouble in school
- A lack of social interaction and acceptance
Your child’s overall quality of life improves with auditory treatments begun at a young age. Younger children don’t understand instructions and your expectations if they can’t communicate clearly, and hearing is a crucial component of communication. Being unable to hear often leads to frustration and misbehaving. Early treatment gives your child a much better chance of reaching standard developmental milestones.
Does Your Child Need Hearing Aids?
With California’s newly expanded government program, more children who need hearing aids and services can receive them. Over 90% of deaf children have parents who hear normally, and these parents need support. HEAR Center provides it.
HEAR Center offers audiological evaluations, hearing aids, speech and language services, and more to California residents.
Call or text: (626) 734-6555
Email us at: appointments@hearcenter.org
Chat us: https://direct.lc.chat/13342371/
Also, for more information about Audiology, please visit our webpage: https://www.hearcenter.org/services/audiology/