Download The Maryland Hearing Aid Loan Bank

The Maryland Hearing Aid
Loan Bank
A Bridge
To
Early Intervention
Paul K.Farrell, Sue Griebler, Ilene Briskin
History of Maryland Early Identification of
Hearing Loss & Intervention
1972
Parent-Infant Pilot Program (0-4) in 2 counties
1975
PL 94-142
1979
Birth Mandate State
1985
Program to Identify Hearing Impaired Infants
1987
Maryland Infants & Toddler Program
2000
Maryland Universal Newborn Hearing Screening
2002
Maryland Hearing Aid Loan Bank
1985: HIGH RISK REGISTRY


Program for Hearing
Impaired Infants at
the Maryland State
Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene
(DHMH)
Advisory Council

Identify Risk Factors
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
NICU more than 48 hours
Anatomical malformation
Asphyxia
Bacterial meningitis
Low birthweight
Perinatal infection
Family history
Hyperbilirubinanemia
MARYLAND’S
PATH
TO
UNIVERSAL NEWBORN
HEARING SCREENING
COLLABORATION
The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
The Maryland State Dept. of Education
CUSHION (Coalition for the Universal Screening of Hearing in
Our Newborns)
 American Academy of
 Md. Academy of
Pediatrics
Audiology
 A.G. Bell Association
 Md. Hospital Assoc.
 Advisory Council
 Md. Speech, Language,
 Educational Audiology
Hearing Association
Assoc.
 University of Maryland
 Johns Hopkins
Hospital
Hospital
Awareness & Legislative
Support

Legislators
– High Risk registry
– Public Policy days
– Constituent lobbying and testimony
– Professional lobbying
– Informational materials

Insurers

State agency support

Other citizens and related advocacy organizations
FINANCIAL CONCERNS

Maryland Health Care Commission

Insurance Industry

Fiscal note: Cost/Benefit study
1999: UNIVERSAL NEWBORN
HEARING SCREENING

All birthing hospitals
establish UNHS

Insurers reimburse

Notification provided

Existing program &
Advisory Council
expanded and
administered by
DHMH
From Universal Newborn Hearing
Screening to the Hearing Aid Loan
Bank

Community awareness
– Public Service Announcement

Amplification legislation
– Grant support
– Modified prior legislative approach

Habilitation: In process
2001: REDUCING BARRIERS TO
AMPLIFICATION


MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
INSURANCE MANDATE
– For minor children
– $1400 per ear
– Licensed audiologist
prescribes, fits and
dispenses
– Exceptions
» Out of state employers
and insurers
» ERISA plans

HEARING AID LOAN
BANK
– Maryland State Dept.
of Education
– Children 0-3 years
– Funding
– Licensed audiologist
prescribes, fits and
dispenses
– First earmolds
provided
Mission
The Hearing Aid Loan Bank will provide
access to amplification as soon as
possible following a diagnosis of
hearing loss in an infant or toddler. This
is essential to emerging language and
healthy social/emotional development
that are the foundation for school
readiness and success.
Getting Started





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The basics: Getting off the ground
How does the loaner program work?
Who qualifies for the program?
Hearing Aid Loan Period
Budget Outline
Hearing Aids and Earmolds
Manufacturer support
The Basics: Getting off the
ground
Application
 Policies & Procedures
 Audiologist Survey
 Brochure
 Purchasing
 Public Awareness
 Family Satisfaction Survey

How the Loan Bank Works
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening
Protocol
Confirmation Of Hearing Loss
By Hospital/Community Audiologist
Referral to Local Infants &
Toddlers program
Referral to Loan Bank
Audiology Services
LITP Service Coordinator
Permanent Hearing Aids
Or Cochlear Implant
Who qualifies for the program?



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Uninsured
Underinsured
Experience delays in acquiring hearing aids
Uncertain audiologic diagnosis
Families accessing use of alternative
technology, i.e, cochlear implant
How to Apply for Hearing Aids
Referring Audiologist Information:
 All audiometric data (e.g. OAE/ABR,BOA)
 A recommendation for suitable amplification
 Medical Clearance for hearing aids from child’s
physician
Parent/Legal Guardian Information:
 Statement indicating the reason the parent or
guardian has no immediate access to hearing aids
 Statement indicating insurance coverage, or a lack
of coverage
 A statement indicating the reason assistance from
the loan bank is requested
Hearing Aid Loan Period
Standard length of the hearing aid loan is
six-months.
 A loan extension, in 3 month intervals, may
be granted upon written request from the
parent.

Budget Outline
Personnel
 Communications
 Travel
 Contractual Services
 Supplies
 Equipment

Hearing Aids and Earmolds
Digital Hearing Aids - Binaural Fitting
 Earmolds (1st set)

The dispensing audiologist is responsible
for fitting and monitoring the hearing aid
and earmold during the loan period
Manufacturer Support
Educate key sales representative
 Discount purchasing
 Donations on individual case basis

Making a Difference

70
60
50
40
Hearing
Aids
30
20
10
0
2003
2004

May- Dec. 2003
20 Hearing Aids
disbursed to 10
families
In 2004 61 hearing
aids were disbursed to
32 families
The Good News!
As of March,
2005 the return
rate for loaned
hearing aids is
100%
Maryland Infants and Toddlers Staff
Development Programs
Grants from DHMH/Sponsored by MSDE



“Beginning the Journey:Intervention for Infants and
Toddlers with Hearing Loss and their Families - 2003
“Continuing the Journey: Supporting Families in
Understanding: The Grieving Process Associated with
Hearing Loss and Intervention with Infants and Toddlers
with Cochlear Implants” - 2004
“Team Collaboration: Everyone Has a Role to Play” - 2005
Parent support and participation is an integral part of
each conference
Strengths
Early
Detection
Of Hearing
Loss
Fast
Access
Hearing
Aids
School
Readiness
FOR MORE LEGISLATIVE
INFORMATION…

www.mlis.state.md.us
– 1999: HB 884; UNIVERSAL NEWBORN HEARING
SCREENING
– 2001: HB 160; HEALTH INSURANCE – HEARING
AIDS- COVERAGE FOR CHILDREN
– 2001: HB 282; STATE DEPARTMENT OF
EDUCATION – HEARING AID LOAN BANK
PROGRAM – ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION
Contact Information
Paul K. Farrell
Director, Maryland Hearing Aid Loan Bank
(410) 767-0739
[email protected]
Sue Griebler
Educational Consultant
(410) 767-2331
[email protected]
Ilene Briskin
Education\Health Care Consultant
Public Policy\Grant Writing
[email protected]
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