The American deaf community still faces many challenges, but we wanted to highlight one important issue today. Although deaf Americans need audiologist health care coverage to thrive in our hearing world, many of them don’t have it. The American deaf community still faces many challenges, but we wanted to highlight one important issue today. Although deaf Americans need audiologist health care coverage to thrive in our hearing world, many of them don’t have it. 

In the U.S., 1 out of 10 deaf or hard of hearing (HOH) adults between the ages 21 and 64 didn’t have health insurance in 2018 — and that’s likely increased since the unemployment wave in 2020, since most people get coverage through their employer. And some states are worse than others. The percentage of uninsured deaf and HOH adults ranged from under 2% in Massachusetts to 17% in Texas. 

One of the reasons it’s so hard for deaf or HOH people to get coverage is their limited opportunities and resources. If a family has a deaf or HOH working-age adult, it’s estimated that they’ll make $15,000 less per year than families with no disabilities. 

Also, an estimated 20% of U.S. working-age adults who are deaf or HOH live in poverty, compared to 10% of hearing individuals. 

If you have a family member with a hearing disability, or have one yourself, we know it can be difficult to deal with your disability without having the right support on your side. That’s why our AFEUSA family has partnered with American Hearing Benefits, which can provide a ton of services at a very affordable rate, including: 

• FREE annual hearing consultations
• Up to a three-year supply of batteries (40 cells per hearing aid purchased per year)
• One year of FREE office visits (limit to six)
• 60-day trial period (professional fees may apply)
• FREE deluxe warranty plan, including loss and damage
• Financing plans available (subject to credit approval)

Join AFEUSA and get the affordable help you need most, anytime you need it.