Hearing

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division (DHHSD) at the Department of Human Services offers information about hearing loss, available referral services including interpreters and legal services, assistive technology, publications and other resources for individuals, families and professionals. Their website www.dhhsd.org. This web site also provides information on alternative communication accessibility options including Sign language interpreters, CART services, Cued language transliteration, services for deaf and blind consumers, and information on job coaches fluent in sign language for deaf and hard of hearing employees.

651-431-5940 (Voice)1-888-206-6513 (TTY).

Hearing Aids

Minnesota law requires a health plan, including those issued by Health Maintenance Organizations, to cover hearing aids for children age 18 or younger for hearing loss due to functional congenital malformation of the ears that is not correctable by other covered procedures. Coverage is limited to one hearing aid per ear every three years. A plan may apply deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments generally applicable to other covered services to the hearing aid coverage (Minn. Stat. Ann. §§ 62Q. 675 and 62A. 011). This bill does not apply to employers who are self-insured [ERISA]. Contact your employer’s Human Resource Department to determine if your health plan is self-insured. For assistance with coverage under an ERISA plan, call the Minnesota Department of Commerce at 651-296-2488 or 1-800-657-3602.

Lions Infant Hearing Program

The Lions Infant Hearing Program established a hearing instrument loaner bank for Minnesota’s newly identified infants and young children with hearing loss. New and reconditioned behind-the-ear hearing aids are available to loan for a six-month period of time. The loan period is designed to provide families with adequate time to investigate and purchase amplification for their child without delaying intervention. Each device will carry a warranty. However, audiological services, batteries and ear molds will need to be obtained through the dispensing audiologist at the families’ expense.

To request a hearing aid list and request form, the audiologist should contact the Lions Infant Hearing Screening Program. Upon receipt, complete the request form and return via fax or mail. The instrument(s) will be mailed to you within one week and may be used for a maximum of six months. Please email or phone if you have any questions about the Lions Infant Hearing Program Loaner Hearing Instruments Bank. Email: lionsear@umn.edu Fax: 612-625-8901 Phone: 612-626-0946

Financial Resources for Parents with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

If your insurance company is not responsible for providing hearing aids for your child under legislation enacted in 2003, you can get a list of organizations to determine eligibility for assistance at: http://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&Rendition=Primary&allowInterrupt=1&noSaveAs=1&dDocName=dhs_id_018498

Minnesota DeafBlind Technical Assistance Project

The Minnesota DeafBlind Technical Assistance Project is federally funded under the Individuals with Disabilities, Education Act (IDEA). The Project provides technical assistance which supports Minnesota children and youth, birth to 21 years, who have BOTH a vision and hearing impairment. These services are in addition to those provided by schools, and other state and local agencies. Minnesota DeafBlind Technical Assistance Project; 3055 Old Highway 8, Suite 302, St. Anthony MN.55418. Telephone: 612.638.1525 or 1526; or 1531

Fax: 612.706.0811; Toll Free: 800.848.4905; TTY: 612.706.0808. www.dbproject.mn.org

Minnesota Hands & Voices – Life Track Resources

Minnesota Hands and Voices is a state-wide organization that provides parent-to-parent support to families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Services include speech, occupational, and physical therapies, deaf mentors, educational workshops, seminars and social events. For more information, call 651-227-8471 (voice), 651-227-3779 (TTY) or go to: www.lifetrackresources.org

Newborn Hearing Screening – is now mandated in the state of Minnesota. For more information on the mandate and other hearing resources for children, go to the MDH web site at: www.health.state.mn.us/newbornscreening