The UWSHC Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP) provides hearing healthcare to individuals in Dane County who cannot otherwise afford it. HARP recipients receive free comprehensive hearing evaluation and hearing loss treatment services, including behind-the-ear hearing aids, and fitting and follow-up appointments. This program is supported by generous donations from community members, employees of Epic Systems Corporation, the Rayovac Corporation, and the UW-Madison Student Academy of Audiology. The UW Speech and Clinic donates hearing evaluation and hearing aid fitting and follow up services to HARP recipients.
The HARP accepts approximately one-to-two new recipients per month. Due the large number of applicants, there is a waiting list for new HARP patients. If you are interested in the HARP, please fill out, date, and submit an application. We continue to welcome and appreciate used hearing aid donations to the program, as the donations help provide earmolds and refurbished hearing aids to our HARP patients.
Eligibility
Financial Criteria
The HARP is designed to be the program of last resort for people who have no other financial resources available. If an applicant has another source of funding for hearing aids, s/he is not eligible for the HARP. Other options for assistance include private insurance, state Medicaid programs, BadgerCare, Department of Workforce Development, Veterans Administration, family or friend assistance, or other state or local programs. The HARP may not be the appropriate program for applicants who have family support or funds in money market accounts, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, IRAs, certificates of deposit (CDs), checking/saving accounts, stocks, bonds, or T-bills. The HARP considers all these factors when determining eligibility. See the HARP application for specific financial eligibility guidelines.
Location
The HARP is funded by local donations. For this reason, preference is given to HARP applicants living in the Dane County area. This also ensures that UWSHC audiology is able to provide complete support services to the individuals the program serves.
Audiologic Criteria
People who have moderate to profound bilateral hearing loss are given highest priority because of the significant impact this can have on communication. Our audiologists must also determine that the applicant will achieve reasonable benefit from the hearing aid(s).
Process
- Individuals who feel they qualify for the HARP after reviewing the eligibility requirements should complete, print, and e-mail or mail the PDF HARP Form. Please note that there is a waiting list of approximately six months for new HARP recipients due to the large number of eligible applicants.
- Applicants who pass the financial and geographic screening are seen at the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic for a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
- Individuals who qualify for hearing aids based on the results of the hearing evaluation will receive a hearing aid evaluation at the UWSHC.
- Later, at a separate appointment, HARP recipients will be fit with behind-the-ear hearing aid(s) and earmolds by UWSHC audiologist and graduate student clinicians. The hearing aids, earmolds, and services are fully funded by donations.
The HARP has limited resources, but attempts to accommodate all qualified applicants provided continued funding remains available.
Please direct any specific UWSHC Hearing Aid Recycling Program questions to Dr. Melanie Buhr-Lawler, HARP director at (608) 890-1504 or HARP@csd.wisc.edu.