The UWSHC Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP) provides hearing healthcare services and hearing aid technology to eligible Dane County residents who cannot afford them.
The HARP offers free hearing evaluations, behind-the-ear hearing aids, fittings, and follow-up services through the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic. The program is supported by donations from community members, Epic Systems Corporation employees, the UW–Madison Student Academy of Audiology, and our clinic.
Applicants must meet financial and geographic eligibility criteria. Individuals who already own hearing aids may be considered for programming or repair services on a case-by-case basis.
HARP accepts one to two new recipients per month and maintains a waiting list. Used hearing aid donations are welcome and help provide refurbished hearing aids and new earmolds for HARP patients.
HARP Informational Brochures and Applications
Brochures
UWSHC HARP Brochure
UWSHC HARP Brochure (Español)
Apply Online (English & Spanish)
If you prefer to download a paper version of the English or Spanish HARP application, go to the Apply section.
Program Details
Eligibility
Financial Criteria
HARP is intended to serve as a program of last resort for individuals who do not have other financial resources available for hearing care. Applicants are not eligible for HARP if they have access to other funding options for hearing aids, such as private insurance, Medicaid or BadgerCare, the Department of Workforce Development, the Veterans Administration, or other state or local programs.
HARP may also not be the appropriate program for individuals who have financial resources available, including funds in checking or savings accounts, retirement accounts (such as 401(k)s or IRAs), investments, or similar assets. All financial factors are carefully considered when determining eligibility. Please refer to the HARP application for specific financial guidelines.
Location
Eligibility is limited to individuals who live in Dane County, as the HARP is funded entirely by local donations and all services are provided at the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic.
Audiologic Criteria
Priority is given to applicants whose hearing loss significantly affects their ability to communicate. UWSHC audiologists will also determine whether hearing aids are expected to provide meaningful benefit based on each individual’s hearing evaluation.
Process
Individuals interested in HARP who meet the eligibility requirements should complete the application online. Applicants who are unable to complete the online application may print and mail the PDF HARP Form (Spanish version of the form). If you would like a paper application mailed to you, please call the clinic at (608) 262-3951.
Applicants who pass the financial and geographic screening will be scheduled for a comprehensive hearing evaluation at the UW Speech and Hearing Clinic. Applicants who qualify for hearing aids based on the results of this evaluation will complete a hearing aid evaluation during the same appointment.
Approved HARP recipients will be fit with behind‑the‑ear hearing aid(s) and earmolds during a separate appointment by UWSHC audiologists and supervised graduate student clinicians. All hearing aids, earmolds, and related services are fully funded through program donations.
HARP has limited resources; however, the program makes every effort to serve all qualified applicants as funding allows. Due to the large number of eligible applicants, there is currently a waiting list of approximately three to six months for new HARP recipients.
For questions about the UWSHC Hearing Aid Recycling Program, please contact Dr. Melanie Buhr‑Lawler, HARP Director, at (608) 890‑1504 or melanie.buhr@wisc.edu.
Individuals interested in HARP who meet the eligibility requirements should complete the application online. Applicants who have difficulty completing the online application may print and mail the PDF HARP application (a Spanish version is also available). If you would like a paper application mailed to you, please call the clinic at (608) 262-3951.
Due to the large number of eligible applicants, there is currently a waiting list of approximately three to six months for new HARP recipients.