The EMC Health Foundation is partnering with Costco and the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Foundation to offer free hearing tests and hearing aids to qualifying seniors this summer.

“As we all know, growing old is not for sissies, so helping ensure people age gracefully and remain healthy and independent is a priority of our foundation,” said Jeffrey Lewis, President and CEO of the EMC Health Foundation. The last time we launched this program, more than 90 seniors received free hearing tests and hearing aids. Our goal is to continue helping as many seniors as possible.”

According to the National Council on Aging, hearing loss impacts 1 in 3 people ages 65-74 and nearly half of those 75 and older.

“Hearing aids can help seniors in their battle against loneliness and isolation. However, the compound impact can be devastating if you cannot hear and have other health challenges,“ Lewis said. “This partnership represents an important step in expanding service lines to meet critical needs in the community. By leveraging diversified funding sources like grants, we can fill longstanding gaps in access — such as hearing care for our seniors — and ensure that more members of our community are supported with dignity and compassion.”

The EMC Health Foundation is using its charitable funds to support this program. Anyone aged 55 and older who lives in the EMC Health Foundation coverage area (which includes Turlock, Denair, Keyes, Hughson, and Hilmar) — and does not have a household income greater than 500% of the federal poverty level — is eligible for this program.

To sign up, contact the Turlock Chamber Foundation office at  209-632-2221 and ask for the hearing aid coordinator. Those who register will need to come to the Turlock Chamber Foundation office and pick up the form to take to Costco for the free hearing aid test and Costco gift card.