As audiologists, it’s our duty to help with all things that involve getting you proper hearing health care. While we are experienced in treatment and proper hearing aid fittings, we also make it our business to know who else is available to help you and your family.
Taking care of our kids is always at the top of any parent’s list. That’s why we are pleased to live in a state that offers such beneficial programs to our youth.
These two segments are designed to help kids with hearing loss whose ages are anywhere between birth and 18 years old.
We are a part of both segments and work closely with the organizers to ensure we’re helping every child we possibly can. But we can’t help until a child’s hearing issues are brought to our attention.
If you suspect your child has any level of hearing loss, then please bring them in for a hearing evaluation. There are plenty of solutions that won’t break the bank and, in some cases, won’t cost you a dime.
This is one of the many reasons we love our community here in Indiana. People helping people is such a refreshing notion, and it happens all over the place. We always encourage shopping locally, and in this episode, I highlight a new store here in Lawrenceburg that you must check out.
First Steps
The First Steps Program is run by the government of Indiana and was created to help kids between birth and three years old. This is a crucial time in a child’s life to treat hearing loss, so it doesn’t slow their learning curve, and they can lead a happy and exciting life.
To take advantage, patients must get in touch with Thrive Alliance; that’s who we work with to take advantage of the First Steps Program. You can always contact us first, and we will help you through the steps to get registered.
If it’s determined that your child needs hearing aids, then this program will send us a referral to treat your child’s hearing loss and provide whatever is needed.
In most cases, First Steps will cover the cost of the hearing exam as well as one set of high-end hearing aids. I have to stress the quality here because I don’t want anyone thinking they only offer cheap products.
This program is dedicated to helping the children of Indiana, and that means getting them the best technology possible.
If your physician has referred you to Children’s Hospital, then you can take the test results from there and bring them to us. We can use that information and then help you get enrolled in the First Steps program.
This is a great system that is already helping so many kids. It’s only available to residents of Indiana, so we are proud to be a part of it and help our community.
Happy
The second program for kids that we take part in is called Happy. This is a hearing assistant program that helps all children between the ages of 3-18.
Similar to the First Steps program, your child must be diagnosed with hearing loss via a comprehensive hearing evaluation before enrolling. We can help you with the entire process, starting with the hearing exam.
Once you have completed all the proper paperwork and have signed your child up, Happy will pay for your child’s hearing aids. They will also receive an updated version every five years until they turn 18.
There is no income requirement for this program. There’s also no ceiling, so don’t think that because you have a higher income, your child is not entitled. This is an initiative to benefit all the kids of Indiana, no matter where they come from.
The pricing works on a sliding scale, but the absolute most anyone has to pay is $500. This is a steep discount when you consider most hearing aids cost in the thousands.
It’s nice to know that Indiana is doing everything it can to help the children of our state, first and foremost. We are happy and proud to be a part of these two programs.
New Local Boutique Is a Hit
I can’t help myself when a new store opens around here. We have so many great business owners, and when a new shop comes along, I love to see all the new things.
There is a new boutique that opened right around the corner from Flex Audiology called Farah Ann’s Boutique (FAB). They have a lot of one-of-a-kind clothes, earrings, handbags, sunglasses, etc. I could spend hours there.
The layout is bright and airy, just what you’d expect from a place with ‘boutique’ in the title. With plenty of space to browse, the staff is also very lovely.
They were able to help me revamp a few outfits to give them a new and refreshing look. They truly are experts there.
Something unique they do is a live show and tell every Tuesday. Usually, through their Facebook page, they introduce new and interesting products they’ve brought in. You can buy them right then and there as well, so you don’t have to rush to the store.
With plenty of sizing and color options, I’m sure this boutique will be around for a long time. I’m very excited to see what they’ll have next and am proud that they are such a great new addition to our community.
We Are Here to Help
Whether managing your child’s hearing or recommending locally crafted garments for you and your family, we do our best to ensure you’re taken care of. Please contact us anytime with your questions, comments, and concerns.
