They believe they are being penalised for working hard.
A Deaf Laois couple is facing a €10,000 bill for essential hearing aids.
They believe they are being penalised for working hard.
Ireland’s national charity for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, Chime is highlighting the couple’s case on World Hearing Day today.
James Reardon, a healthcare assistant, and Ruth McSkane, a special needs assistant, both work full-time while raising their family in Portarlington.
However, the couple say the high cost of replacing their hearing aids every five to seven years places an overwhelming burden on working families with hearing loss.
Danielle McLaughlin, Director of Advocacy and Communications with Chime, and the organisation’s social worker Teresa O’Rourke say the couple’s situation reflects the daily reality facing many Deaf and hard of hearing adults who are in employment but do not qualify for State supports.
Mr Reardon believes working adults who are Deaf are being penalised for doing everything society asks of them.
The couple are not eligible for a medical card as their household income is just above the threshold.
While they receive support under the State’s Treatment Benefit Scheme, which provides €1,000 per hearing aid, or €2,000 per pair, the total cost of two sets of hearing aids for the couple can reach €12,000, leaving them to find €10,000 themselves.
Chime CEO Mark Byrne says there needs to be a well-resourced National Hearing Care Plan, which must include full, non-means-tested coverage of hearing aids.
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