Free Hearing Aids for Veterans: Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Obtain Them
Ukraine has been fighting a large-scale aggression by Russia for over a year, and many of its defenders are returning from the front lines with various injuries and medical consequences. One common aftermath of combat is hearing impairment, which significantly reduces quality of life and complicates social adaptation for veterans. Ukrainian authorities have established procedures for providing free hearing aids to those in need, aiming to support our heroes in their rehabilitation process. Below is a detailed description of the procedure that allows veterans to receive the necessary device to improve hearing without financial costs. Who Can Receive a Hearing Aid for Free? According to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, this assistance is available to combat veterans, war veterans, and military personnel who have documented hearing impairments, regardless of whether they have a recognized disability. It is important to note that obtaining a hearing aid does not require mandatory official disability status — it is sufficient to have a relevant medical conclusion and to go through the established procedure. What Steps Are Needed to Receive a Hearing Aid? 1. Visit a doctor The first step is to consult with a family doctor, general practitioner, or pediatrician. The doctor will refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist) for more in-depth examination. 2. Undergo assessment by an audiologist After the referral, you need to undergo a hearing examination by an audiologist, who will assess your hearing condition and issue the appropriate medical documentation. This step is mandatory for further participation in the program. 3. Find a participating healthcare facility Locate a medical institution in your region that cooperates with the program providing free hearing aids for veterans. 4. Prepare and submit documents To obtain the hearing aid, you should prepare and submit the following documents: - Passport of a Ukrainian citizen; - Veteran ID card or other document confirming your status; - Referral from the examining doctor; - Conclusion from the military medical commission or extract from the decision of the Expert Commission of the Social Protection Fund (for military personnel) or the Medical-Social Expert Commission (for civilians), confirming disability and recommending rehabilitative measures; - Audiogram results and other hearing acuity data performed by the audiologist; - Identification number certificate (if available). 5. Hearing aid fitting and adjustment The next step is a personalized selection and individual adjustment of the hearing aids to ensure maximum effectiveness. This is conducted by a specialist to guarantee that the device perfectly matches each patient's hearing characteristics. 6. Distribution and guidance After final tuning, the veteran or veteraness receives the free hearing aid along with recommendations on proper usage, care, and maintenance to preserve its functionality. What to Do in Case of Refusal? If, for some reason, you are denied the hearing aid or need to clarify additional questions, contact the Ukraine Ministry of Health’s "hotline" at 0 800 505 201. There, you can receive consultations, find out the reasons for refusal, and learn about additional support opportunities. It is worth noting that this support system in the field of rehabilitation has recently been established also by the Ministry of Social Policy, which previously announced procedures for free assistance to persons with disabilities. Such an approach is an important step in respecting and supporting the heroes defending the country at the front, and it contributes to their quicker and more comfortable reintegration into civilian life.