BANGOR – The Warren Center for Communication & Learning, a non-profit speech and hearing center, has initiated the Regional Hearing Aid Bank program. The program is designed to recycle behind-the-ear model hearing aids, to recondition the aids and to provide them to those in need.

Since the program’s first placement in February of this year, the Warren Center has placed four recycled hearing aids. Four other donated hearing aids are in the process of being placed. The waiting list, according to officials, is long.

Warren Center audiologist Dr. Amanda Sander-Samoluk believes the program is essential.

“It’s giving hearing aids to those that can’t afford them,” she said, “often to elderly people who live alone and wouldn’t be able to be part of the community otherwise. Or they are too embarrassed by hearing impairment to interact with other people.”

All brands of behind-the-ear hearing aids are acceptable for use in the program. In-the-ear models cannot be accepted.

Those who may have purchased newer model hearing aids may be interested in donating older models. Children who wear hearing aids outgrow them and those, too, can be valuable to someone in need.

“It’s so nice to see the changes when people come in for a follow-up. One recipient told us that he can hear sounds he hasn’t heard in 20 years. One woman’s daughter told me how wonderful it is not to have to write out conversations with her mother anymore,” said Dr. Samoluk.

“The donations really make a difference and have a direct impact on someone’s life,” she said.

For information about the program and its eligibility requirements, call 941-2850 or visit the Warren Center at 175 Union St., Bangor.