You would like to help people struggling with hearing loss, but the choice of charitable organizations is overwhelming. Just a few of the factors to consider are the cause itself, the trustworthiness of the organization, and how the resources are used. Here are a few hearing-health specific charities you may want to consider as part of your search.

• Starkey Hearing Foundation – As a huge national and global foundation, Starkey Hearing Foundation provides hearing health services in three ways: Hear Now, Listen Carefully, and Hearing Aid Recycling. The Hear Now program helps people with limited resources obtain hearing aids. Their Hearing Aid Recycling program offers a place for you to donate your old hearing aids as gifts to those who can’t otherwise afford them. Listen Carefully is an educational program aimed at young people to educate them about the harm that loud noise and headphone use can cause. For the most up-to-date information of the Starkey Hearing Foundation’s activities and current needs visit their website at www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org.
• Hearing Health Foundation – Collette Baker Ramsey, a woman who suffered from hearing loss herself, created Hearing Health Foundation in the 1950s. This organization fosters research to treat and cure hearing loss and promotes the prevention of hearing conditions through public education. One of the current endeavors of the foundation is providing research meant to cure tinnitus (constant ringing in the ears). The Hearing Health Foundation makes it easy for supporters to get involved. The foundation accepts one-time gifts and monthly donations, as well as other financial contributions. You can write and share a personal experience with hearing loss, assist in fundraising, and even name a research grant. For the most up-to-date information of the Foundation’s activities and current needs visit their website at www.hearinghealthfoundation.org.
• Hearing Loss Association of America – Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) prides itself as being the largest national organization for helping people with hearing loss across the U.S. Its mission is to provide resources and support to individuals with hearing loss and their families while educating the public about hearing impairments. HLAA also strives to help the public through legislation and awareness. You can begin by signing up for their newsletter, becoming a member of the organization, or registering for one of their bi-annual fundraiser walks called Walk4Hearing. Donations are also accepted online at www.hearingloss.org.