According to the Hearing Health Foundation, professional musicians are nearly four times as likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss as the general public. They are also more likely to experience tinnitus (ringing in the ears). These conditions affect everyone working in music equally, on stage and off.
Soundcheck is a program offered by Red Dirt Relief Fund to provide Etymonic ER-20xs high-fidelity earplugs developed for musicians to any person who qualifies for our grant programs. The goal is to distribute 500 pairs in the next year backstage at festivals around Oklahoma and directly to music professionals who request them. Please contact us at reddirtrelieffund@gmail.com to request a pair.
Free Screenings
Miracle Ear: Take a free online hearing test or schedule a free-in person hearing test on their website.
Hearts for Hearing: Schedule a free hearing test at their clinics in OKC, Tulsa or Shawnee. They offer income-based financial assistance for hearing aids and other treatments. Best of all, they are also a 501c3 charitable organization, and the proceeds of the adult clinic support hearing technology and therapy services for children with hearing loss ages 5 and under at no cost.
Sam’s Club Lucid Hearing Centers: Find a center at the link or call toll free at 833.464.3219 to schedule by phone.
Hearing Aids
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are now available in Oklahoma and may make a hearing aid a more affordable option than before. Here are some local resources, and if financing creates an undue hardship, you may be eligible for help from RDRF.
Sam’s Club Lucid Hearing Centers: Find a center at the link or call toll free at 833.464.3219 to find a location. Hearing screenings are free, but you must be a member to purchase a hearing aid. OTC hearing aids range from $200-$900 per pair depending on if you need/want them programmed. They can provide guidance after your free hearing screening, and offer financing at low interest through Allegro Credit.
Miracle Ear: Offers a variety of hearing aids from $1,000 to $5,000 per device depending on battery life or rechargeable, Bluetooth streaming, directional microphones, etc. Click the link to find a testing center and to learn more. They offer low-interest financing through Credit Care, and if you do not qualify for financing, you may be eligible for free hearing aids through the Miracle Ear Foundation ($150 application fee applies).