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The World Health Organization estimates that 250 million people worldwide suffer from severe hearing loss. Global hearing aid sales for 2002 were estimated at 6 million units. In the United States, there are 28 million Americans with a hearing loss. Of those Americans who need hearing aids, seven million cannot afford them. In 2002, the average price for a hearing aid in the United States was $1,600. Pricing is not affordable for many users, and many insurance companies often do not cover hearing aids. Additionally, the "low-priced" hearing aids advertised often are poor in quality and provide low user satisfaction.

To address these problems, LCIF has partnered with Project Impact to develop and manufacture the world’s highest quality, affordable hearing aid - branded as the "Lions Affordable Hearing Aid." LCIF has provided $600,000 in Core 4 funding since 2001 to support the design/development phase and to initiate manufacturing. Additionally, LCIF has funded clinical trials in Washington State and additional field-testing of this aid in Michigan, Mexico and South India. The clinical trial confirmed that the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid is of superior quality and compares favorable to aids costing US$1000 and more.

Through the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project, LCIF is now distributing the "Lions Affordable Hearing aid" at a cost of only $90-$120 (depending on volume ordered) to Lions hearing programs and individual clubs. Clubs in areas without a Lions hearing program will work with local audiologists to test and fit low-income patients. The price of $90-$120 does not include the provision of hearing tests and hearing aid fittings, which clubs and Lion hearing programs need to arrange with an appropriate local hearing professional. LCIF is encouraging hearing professionals to provide discounted services for these low-income patients, with clubs helping the patients cover these costs.

The Lions Affordable Hearing Aid has received FDA approval as well as the CE Mark for distribution in Europe. The first model now available is a digitally-programmable Behind-The-Ear design. A fully digital version, and smaller In-The-Ear models, will be available in late 2004.

Local Lions clubs can become involved by recruiting audiologists and covering whatever costs the patient cannot afford. LCIF will be making the aid available to all Lions hearing programs and to individual clubs not covered by such programs. To qualify for participation, Lions programs and clubs will be required to income-qualify patients to ensure that low-income patients benefit. Guidelines for this are available from LCIF.

Individual Lions can purchase the currently-available aid at a higher introductory price of $150, but they will be required to secure the services of a local hearing professional to fit the aid. Proceeds from Lions sales will be used to subsidize distribution of the hearing aid in developing countries.

For more information, contact: LCIF Humanitarian Programs, Telephone 630-571-5466, ext 615.

LCIF
300 West 22nd Street
<sup>Oak Brook, Illinois 60523

E-mail: lcif@lionsclubs.org</sup>