By Molly Payne
(Cushing, Okla) — You probably already know that Lions Club helps provide eyeglasses, near and afar, but did you know they also help with hearing aids? Along with accepting used eyeglasses, Lions collect used hearing aids. Much like eyeglasses, parts are harvested from the donated items to be used to refurbish hearing aids.
This past year, Oklahoma Lions have teamed up with Hough Ear Institute (HEI) to provide new and refurbished hearing aids to low income adults in need.
HEI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit research and outreach organization committed to restoring hearing worldwide through research, teaching, and humanitarian efforts until “all who have ears can hear.” It specializes in cutting-edge research related to ears and hearing.
Pam Timmons, Director of Development for HEI, shared information about the Institute and the research it’s doing in regard to tinnitus as well as its hearing aid program. She also provided a hearing screening to any Lion in attendance on Tuesday.
HEI’s hearing aid program provides free hearing aids and a year of fittings and adjustments to low income adults (age 19+) in the state of Oklahoma. “This is a truly free hearing aid program,” Timmons said. “No cost is passed on to the patient.” Anyone wishing to apply for free hearing aids can do so at houghear.org/hearing-aids.
Timmons also explained just how debilitating tinnitus can be for sufferers and how this “ringing in the ears” can even disrupt ones peace of mind. Through innovation and partnerships, HEI is working to advance new therapies to help “silence” the ringing and rekindle inner peace. They have also established a support group for those with tinnitus. It’s free to join and can participate via Zoom meetings. Visit houghear.org/tinnitus-together for more information.
ABOUT Hough Ear Institute:
HEI was founded by word-renowned neurologist, Dr. Jack Van Doren Hough, who was an innovative physician and researcher responsible for pioneering middle-and inner-ear surgical techniques still in use today, including co-development of the cochlear implant.
Today, HEI honors Dr. Hough’s innovative legacy by conducting groundbreaking research and developing inner-ear medicines to preserve or restore natural hearing without the use of devices or surgery. HEI continues Dr. Hough’s philanthropic legacy by sponsoring medical and research fellowships, serving in medical mission trips, providing STEM education and supporting the community through free hearing screenings, tinnitus support groups, and its free hearing aid program, HoughAid.
For more information on Cushing Lions Club, visit and like their Facebook page.
