Immediate Release

Sixty two people wait for hearing aids
ReHAB needs your help

(Bangor, ME) – Sixty two people are waiting for hearing aids, and the Warren Center for Communication & Learning wants to provide each of them with the gift of hearing through the Regional Hearing Aid Bank (ReHAB).
ReHAB provides refurbished behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids for people who cannot otherwise afford them. The price of a hearing aid now starts at around $800.00 and can exceed $4,000.00 for high-end digital models. For many in need, the cost of even basic hearing aids is beyond reach. The ReHAB program addresses this community need by making hearing aids and related support services available to qualified adults in Eastern and Central Maine.

“We have people in need of hearing aids but no hearing aids to give them. Our list continues to grow. We need folks to search their drawers for unused hearing aids that we can repair and give to community members.” says Mary-Anne Saxl, Development & Marketing Specialist.

Warren Center audiologist Dr. Amanda Samoluk thinks the program is essential. “Often, those who cannot afford hearing aids are elderly people who live alone and they are too embarrassed by their hearing impairment to interact with other people,” she says.

The program is dependent upon the donation of used hearing aids. BTE models are refurbished, and as funds allow, placed with a needy individual from the Center’s waiting list. In-the-ear aids, which cannot be re-used, are sent to a recycling facility and the Center receives a small monetary credit which goes to help cover costs of the program.

“ It’s nice to see the changes when people come in for a follow-up,” says Samoluk. “One recipient told us that he can hear sounds he hasn’t heard in 20 years. These donations really do make a difference and have a direct impact on someone’s life.”

Hearing aids and monetary donations can be delivered or mailed to the Warren Center office at 175 Union Street, Bangor, Maine 04401. Contact the Warren Center at 941-2850 for more information.