Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire

Hearing Aids

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Consult your healthcare provider to determine the right assistive technology for your needs.

What Are Hearing Aids?

A hearing aid is a device that helps you hear better by making sounds louder. There are different types, each with its own design, way to wear it, care needs, durability, and cost. The most common types include:

  • Behind-the-ear (BTE)
  • In-the-ear (ITE)
  • In-the-canal (ITC)/Completely-in-the-canal (CITC)
  • Open-fit
  • Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)

How Can I Get a Hearing Aid?

  • Get a Hearing Test – Schedule an appointment with an audiologist or hearing specialist to assess your hearing and determine if you need a hearing aid.
  • Get a Prescription or Recommendation – If a hearing aid is needed, your audiologist will recommend the best type for you based on your hearing loss and lifestyle.
  • Check Insurance Coverage – Some health insurance plans, Medicaid, or Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits may help cover the cost of hearing aids. Check with your provider to see what’s covered.
  • Explore Financial Assistance – If you don’t have insurance coverage, look into nonprofit organizations, state programs, or discount programs that may help with the cost.
  • Purchase a Hearing Aid – You can buy hearing aids through an audiologist, a hearing clinic, or an authorized retailer. Some over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are also available for mild to moderate hearing loss.
  • Get Fitted and Adjusted – After getting your hearing aid, an audiologist can adjust it to ensure the best fit and performance for your needs.

Additional Information and Opportunities for Financial Assistance

DRC-NH does not endorse any of the providers or organizations listed below. This information is provided solely for informational purposes.

NH Deaf or Hard of Hearing Driver Card

Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, INC.

New Hampshire Family Voices – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources

U.S. Food & Drug Administration – Hearing Aids 

Hearing Industries Association Guide to Financial Assistance for Hearing Aids

Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation of New Hampshire

All About Assistive Technology

Consulting with a healthcare provider, such as a primary care provider (PCP), physical therapist, or occupational therapist, is essential to determine the right assistive technology for your needs. They can assess your situation, recommend the most suitable technology, and provide training on how to use it safely and effectively.

Assistive Technology

We help individuals identify and acquire technology necessary to help students access their curriculum, assist individuals who want to work become employable and successful in the job market, and help people with disabilities enjoy life and stay engaged with their communities.

The information above was created as part of a capstone project by a 2024/2025 LEND Trainee in collaboration with the NH-ME LEND Program.

Learn more at https://iod.unh.edu/nh-me-lend.

About DRCNH

Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers for people with disabilities across New Hampshire. DRC is the federally designated protection and advocacy agency for New Hampshire and has authority under federal law to conduct investigations in cases of probable abuse or neglect.

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