Sound Beginnings Infant Hearing Aid Program

Sound Beginnings is a program established by Quota International's We Share Foundation to ensure that all infants are screened for hearing loss and receive the proper treatment. In January 2008, The Foundation announced a pilot program in partnership with Siemens Hearing Instruments to provide hearing aids for babies with hearing loss from disadvantaged circumstances. In this trial program, which ends September 30, 2008, Siemens is generously providing vouchers for up to 100 CIELO 2 behind-the-ear hearing instruments at no cost. The donation, valued by Quota International at several hundred thousand dollars, is the largest donation ever received.

Now, the We Share Foundation is offering clubs in the United States the opportunity to distribute these hearing aids to qualified applicants—babies who are:

• Age birth to 36 months and reside in the United States
  
  
• Recently diagnosed with permanent hearing loss by a licensed audiologist
  
  
• From a family whose income is below to 50% above the federal poverty level or family income is above current poverty guidelines, but special circumstances put the family in need of assistance
  
  
• Not covered by public or private health insurance OR covered by an insurance policy that does not cover the cost of hearing aids

This Sound Beginnings project is an opportunity to make a tremendous difference in the lives of children and their families. The We Share Foundation is providing the materials and tools you need to adopt this program, allowing you to focus on finding qualified applicants and making it easier to publicize this initiative in the community.

• If you are a Quota International service club and are interested in participating in this program to distribute infant hearing aids in your Quota community, click here.
  
  
• If you are seeking hearing aid assistance for a baby with hearing loss, click here. Please do not telephone Quota International or the We Share Foundation. This link contains the information you need, if you are interested in learning more about helping a baby in need.
  
  
• If you would like to learn more about Siemens Hearing Instruments and the products and services they offer, click here.