Lions Clubs Take On the Problem of Hearing Loss

In October, 2007, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), in conjunction with hearing aid maker, Rexton, Inc., announced its latest philanthropic endeavor the Affordable Hearing Aid Project or Lions AHAP.

The LCIF is the humanitarian branch of the Lions Clubs worldwide. For many years, the organization has collected eyeglasses for refitting and donation to those who need these seeing aids. Now, the organization has taken on hearing loss as a new objective.

According to the LCIF release to the media, 95% of people who have hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids. But heres the thing: 30% of individuals who experience some degree of hearing loss simply cant afford hearing aids. The aids are there. The need is there. The Lions Clubs are bringing the two together.

Hearing professionals have also expressed their appreciation to the Lions. Hearing aids are collected and completely rehabbed and refurbished to tip-top, running shape, delivering high quality sound and the rugged durability todays hearing aids are known for.

Making two aids [one for each ear, obviously] available gives a great choice in range of sound and quality. You could not buy a comparable aid if buying personally, so this is a very valuable program for people who cant afford aids, said Walt Schleutermann, a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist in Maryland.

Audiologists, hearing aid dispensers and other hearing professionals are doing more than showing support. These professionals are working closely with local Lions Club. Local membership select worthy prospects for hearing screens. If the hearing health care professional determines that the patient would benefit from the use of a hearing aid, the local chapter orders an appropriate device from LCIF.

Ready to Help Your Local Lions Club?

With over 1.3 million members across 200 geographic regions and countries, Lions Clubs help individuals around the world and around the corner. LCIF, the charitable arm of the organization, assists local chapters in a variety of ways.

The goal of LCIF is simple: to ease pain, to alleviate suffering and bring healing to those in need. Like to help? Have an old hearing aid collecting dust in a drawer? Or maybe youd like to make a cash donation to this most worthy cause?

You can make a real difference with very little effort. Contact your local Lions Club and join the givers of your town, in helping hearing-impaired men, women and children lead a better quality of life regardless of where they live.

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