Free BTE Hearing Aids in Tamil Nadu: Eligibility & Application Guide

The Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Government of Tamil Nadu, has launched a program to provide Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids free of cost. This initiative aims to improve speech capabilities and overall quality of life by encouraging its use among students, self-employed individuals, and employed persons with hearing impairment.

Benefits

• Free Distribution:
  Eligible beneficiaries receive free Behind-the-Ear hearing aids to aid in better hearing and communication.

Eligibility

• Hearing Impairment:
  The beneficiary must be a person with hearing impairment.
• Educational Requirement:
  The beneficiary should be studying from the 6th standard onwards.
• Applicant Categories:
  The scheme is open to:
  • Students
  • Self-employed individuals
  • Employed persons

Application Process

Offline

1. Obtain Application Form:
   • Parents or the beneficiary should visit the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer during office hours.
   • Request a hard copy of the prescribed application form from the designated staff.
2. Fill Out the Form:
   • Complete all mandatory fields in the application form.
   • Attach copies of all required documents (self-attested, if needed).
3. Submit Application:
   • Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the necessary documents to the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer.
4. Receipt:
   • Request a receipt or acknowledgment that includes the date, time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

Documents Required

• National Identity Card of the Differently Abled Person.
• Hearing Impairment Certificate.
• Bonafide Certificate (issued by the relevant School Head Master or College Principal).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible to receive behind-the-ear hearing aids under this scheme?
   Eligible beneficiaries include students (from 6th standard onwards), self-employed individuals, and employed persons with hearing impairment.
2. What is the purpose of providing behind-the-ear hearing aids?
   The aids are provided to improve speech and communication capabilities, enhancing the quality of life for hearing-impaired individuals.
3. Are there any age restrictions for eligibility?
   Yes, the scheme is applicable to children studying from 6th standard and above and to adults who are either self-employed or employed.
4. Can employed individuals apply for behind-the-ear hearing aids?
   Yes, both employed and self-employed persons, as well as students, are eligible.
5. Is there any specific educational requirement for eligibility?
   Beneficiaries must be studying from the 6th standard onward.
6. Where can one obtain the application form for this scheme?
   The application form is available at the office of the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer.
7. What documents are required to apply for behind-the-ear hearing aids?
   Applicants must submit a National Identity Card, a Hearing Impairment Certificate, and a Bonafide Certificate from the respective school or college.
8. Where should grievances be addressed if any issues arise?
   Grievances can be addressed to the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer, whose contact details are available on the official Citizen’s Charter.
9. Are there any limitations on the number of hearing aids provided per person?
   The scheme provides one hearing aid per eligible beneficiary.
10. Can individuals from outside the district apply for hearing aids under this scheme?
    Typically, the scheme is targeted at residents within Tamil Nadu; please refer to the official guidelines for further details.