Hearing Aid Bank

About The Hearing Aid Bank Program

As a community service, Western Washington University offers donated hearing aids to those who would not otherwise be able to afford the expense of purchasing hearing aids and maintaining their devices. This service to the community also serves the educational needs of our graduate students in the Clinical Doctorate in Audiology program. Western's Hearing Aid Bank Program is housed within Western’s Audiology (Hearing) Clinic and operates on a donation-based system.

Patients who qualify for assistance are encouraged to "pay it forward" with any amount manageable for them so that other local community members can be helped. Financial donations as well as donation of usable hearing aids and associated products from individuals, community audiologists and dispensers, and organizations are encouraged and appreciated. Donations are anonymous and are not required to receive Western Washington University Hearing Aid Bank Program assistance. Learn more about donating equipment by calling (360) 650-3881.

The number of individuals served by Western's Hearing Aid Bank Program will depend on balancing the needs of qualified clients, the academic needs of students, and the availability of Hearing Aid Bank inventory and funds.

How Do Clients Qualify for Western's Hearing Aid Bank Program:

The following are required criteria that you must meet before applying to Western's Hearing Aid Bank Program:

  • Adult (18 years or older)
  • Resident of Whatcom or Skagit counties
  • Demonstrate financial need based on low income and/or other extenuating circumstances
  • Not eligible for hearing aid assistance by other sources (i.e. Veteran’s Affairs, Medicaid, Labor and Industries, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Indian Health Services, etc.)
  • Able to attend and participate in the Hearing Aid Bank Program’s series of required appointments as outlined in the application form.

All applications will be reviewed by a panel consisting of Western’s Audiology Clinic Director, an Audiology Clinical Educator or Audiology Faculty member, and a graduate student in the Clinical Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D) degree program.

How to Apply For the Hearing Aid Bank

  1. Download and fill out the application form and instructions.
  2. Application materials can also be requested by phone (360) 650-3881 or fax (360) 650-4334.
  3. Mail or fax the completed form and other required materials to:
    • Western Washington University
      Audiology Clinic/Hearing Aid Bank
      516 High Street, AI 394 MS 9171
      Bellingham, WA 98225

Hearing Aid Bank Application Form

How Do Audiologists and Dispensers Refer to the Program?

Western's Hearing Aid Bank Program’s application form may be provided by the referring audiologist or dispenser to the client at the time of referral. A supportive explanatory note for the referral would be of benefit for the client seeking assistance.

How to Donate Hearing Aids or Equipment

If you have left over hearing aids and/or associated equipment and would like to learn more about how to donate them, please call (360) 650-3881 for information.