South Dakota CARES, HALP Free Hearing Aid Program!

If you are a resident of South Dakota and have a hearing loss, congratulations!  South Dakota is one of the few States here in the U.S. that actually take a proactive approach to getting hearing aids to those that need them.  No, this is not a federal or state government program and CARES are not supported by tax dollars.  We are a group that just plain CARES!

Below are the most commonly asked questions regarding our hearing aid program:

1.  Where do the hearing aids come from?

Our hearing aids come from ordinatry people that have gotten new hearing aids and give us their old ones or from peple that no longer have a use for them.  When we receive hearing aids - we give them to our local Audiologist, Julia Jones, who cleans them - tests them - orders parts if necessary and keeps them for us in our "hearing aid bank."  Julia donates all of her time (Thank you, Julia!)

2.  Who programs them or gives follow up care - how does the program work?

South Dakota CARES advertises that there is an application process, however, we turn no one down.  All there has to be is a 'need.'  So, if you cannot hear - you qualify.

Normally, we receive a note or a telephone call requesting an application and we send one to them.  Once we receive this application back we send them a letter saying that they will have to:

A.  Pay for their hearing test

B.  Pay for their molding

When we receive the hearing test results - we send them to Julia Jones (once again our Audiologiest in Pierre, SD.)  She reviews our hearing bank and decides whether or not we have a hearing aid that matches that individual.  Most generally we do.  If it is an adult that has a hearing loss, we provide one hearing aid; if it is a child just learning proper pronunciation we provide two.  If the party is not located in the Pierre/Ft Pierre, SD area the hearing aids are sent to the audiologiest that is on the hearing test to fit the individual with the hearing aid that we provide them.

3.  How many Hearing Aids have you given out over the past few years?

100's of hearing aids we have given to people that have a need in any given year but always the demand is greater than the inventory of product.  CARES would appreciate any and all hearing aids to continue to provide to those with a hearing loss.

4.  Does this qualify as a charitable donation?

South Dakota CARES, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization.  Our Audiologist determines the price ofhte hearing aid so that our donors can take the donation as a charitable donation on their Income Tax.

5.  How would someone get in touch with you if they have a hearing loss and need a hearing aid?

We basically serve only those in South Dakota.  People just need to drop us a note at: