Bangor group takes donated hearing aids

BANGOR – The Warren Center for Communication & Learning, Bangor’s professional, not-for-profit speech and hearing center, is in need of donated hearing aids. The ReHAB program is designed to “recycle” behind-the-ear model hearing aids, also known as BTEs. The aids are reconditioned and then provided to those who are in need.

The program relies heavily on BTE hearing aids donated to the Warren Center by people who do not use them, have newer hearing aids or aids which belonged once to a relative or friend. The Warren Center currently has funds to provide hearing aids to some of the people on their waiting list, but is in need of used aids. The community’s response in the past has been uplifting to all involved with the program.

Warren Center audiologist Dr. Amanda L. Samoluk believes that the program is really essential to the community.

“It’s giving hearing aids to those who can’t afford them,” she said. “People who suffer from hearing loss, most often the elderly members of our community, can become isolated due to embarrassment. It really makes a difference in people’s lives. It gives them a better opportunity to connect with the world; to get outside and interact with people in a more positive way.”

All brands of BTEs are acceptable for use in the ReHAB program. Regrettably, in-the-ear models are not acceptable. Those who may have purchased newer hearing aids may be interested in donating their older-model BTEs. Donated in-the-ear hearing aids are recycled to provide some additional funds for the ReHAB program. Donations to the ReHAB program are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Hearing aids may be delivered or mailed to the Warren Center office, 175 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401. For information on the Warren Center ReHAB program, eligibility requirements for the program or hearing aid donations, call the center at 941-2850, or visit www.warrencenter.org.

HIV-AIDS testing week

The Bangor STD Clinic at 103 Texas Ave. will offer free anonymous and confidential testing for HIV, by appointment only, the week of June 23.

The program has been scheduled to mark HIV-AIDS Testing Week.

For an appointment or information, call 947-0700.

People under age 25 are estimated to make up at least half of the new HIV infections in the United States, officials said.