Q&A

Subject: Audiologists in Florida

From: JG

Hi my name is J---. I am deaf, and I have a friend who has a hearing loss now. Can you please give me some feedback on where to get free testing clinics in Orlando, Florida. He does not prefer to see a doctor at all.


I would appreciate it if you would send me a list of audiologist clinics that are free with no billing payments. He if 45 years old and needs hearing aids. If you have any questions please feel free to email me above at anytime. Thank you. Hope to hear from you soon.!! Have a good day.
Sincerely, J

Dear J,
I don't have specific information on the Orlando, Florida area, but let me give you a few suggestions. First, all states have a Vocational Rehabilitation department. The names may vary a bit, like in Maryland it is called the Division of Rehabilitative Services, though it used to be called Vocational Rehabilitation. They are not required to serve everyone, but if your friend qualifies for their services, they will provide diagnostic testing, free hearing aids and other services like job training to help your friend find a better job or gain advancement in his current position. It is worth investigating.

Another possible avenue for help is to consult your local college or university to see if they have a training program in audiology. Services there would usually be significantly less expensive than a private clinic and they may be able to tell you of local agencies which provide free services to those in need. It is also possible that your local health department may provide free services. In Maryland, free services are available only to those 21 and under but in the Virginia suburbs there was no age restriction. It is worth asking.

You may also check with the American Speech-Language Hearing Association www.ASHA.org, as they have a referral list for professionals in this field all over the country.

Hope these suggestions help.
Sincerely,
Solveig