Hearing aids can be expensive, and Original Medicare generally does not cover them. That leaves many older adults struggling to hear their families, their doctors, and everyday conversations.
Oklahoma has a program that may help.
The Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program (SCHAP) provides one hearing aid to qualifying Oklahoma residents age 60 and older. It is administered by the Oklahoma School for the Deaf, part of the state’s Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).
Here’s what the program provides, who qualifies, what it may cost, and how to apply.
What Does the Program Provide?
Oklahoma’s Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program provides one hearing aid per qualifying senior.
The program limits assistance to one hearing aid per person so it can serve as many eligible seniors as possible.
The type of hearing aid you receive depends on your hearing evaluation and a discussion with the audiologist.
It may be:
- In-the-ear: A hearing aid that fits inside your ear.
- Behind-the-ear: A hearing aid that sits behind your ear and connects to an earpiece.
The program also covers the qualifying hearing evaluation, ear impression, and fitting services.
If you need a hearing aid for your other ear, you can talk with the audiologist about purchasing a second one.
However, the program does not automatically provide two hearing aids.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify for Oklahoma’s Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program, you must meet all four requirements:
- Age: Be at least 60 years old.
- Residency: Live in Oklahoma.
- Income: Meet the program’s financial eligibility requirements.
- Hearing loss: Have at least a 35-decibel hearing loss in your better ear.
The hearing loss requirement is important.
You do not need to arrange your own qualifying hearing test before applying. One of the program’s participating audiologists will evaluate your hearing after the program authorizes the appointment.
If you are unsure whether your hearing loss is severe enough, the evaluation can help determine whether you meet the program’s requirements.
What Are the Income Limits?
Oklahoma DRS publishes monthly income guidelines in its 2026 program application and instructions.
The published guidelines are:
| Household Size | Monthly Income Guideline |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $3,392 |
| 2 people | $4,584 |
| 3 people | $5,596 |
| 4 people | $6,966 |
| 5 people | $8,158 |
| 6 people | $9,350 |
| 7 people | $10,542 |
| 8 people | $11,734 |
These figures come from the official 2026 application materials.
If your income is above the guideline, do not automatically assume you cannot receive assistance.
The program’s instructions describe a possible copayment for applicants whose income exceeds the applicable guideline.
Because income rules and program funding can change, review the current application or ask DRS how the guidelines apply to your household.
Does It Cost Anything?
The program provides one hearing aid and related audiology services to qualifying seniors, but the amount you may need to contribute depends on your financial circumstances.
According to the 2026 application instructions, applicants whose monthly income exceeds the applicable guideline may have a copayment.
The stated calculation is 10% of the amount by which monthly income exceeds the guideline.
For example, if your monthly income is $200 above the guideline for your household size, the calculation would produce a $20 copayment.
That is only an example of the published formula, not a determination of what you personally would owe.
Ask the program to confirm any required payment before proceeding.
If you want a second hearing aid, you may also need to purchase it separately.
How Do You Apply?
You can start on the official Oklahoma DRS Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program page.
DRS also provides a 2026 application and instructions PDF, which includes the Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program.
Here are the main steps:
- Get the application. Open the official 2026 PDF and locate the Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program option.
- Complete your information. Provide the requested household, income, and contact details.
- Gather proof of household income. The program accepts documents such as a federal income tax return, a bank statement showing deposits, or a Social Security award letter.
- Submit your application and documents. DRS lists mail, email, and fax as submission options.
- Wait for authorization. The program reviews your information before authorizing a hearing evaluation.
- Schedule your hearing test. Follow the instructions for selecting and visiting a participating audiologist.
If your hearing test confirms that you meet the program’s requirements, the audiologist can proceed with the steps needed to order and fit your hearing aid.
Where Do You Send the Application?
The program’s official webpage lists its office at:
Oklahoma School for the Deaf
1100 East Oklahoma St.
Sulphur, OK 73086-3108
However, the 2026 application materials list a different mailing address in Chickasha for submitting documentation.
Because these official sources do not clearly explain which address should be used for SCHAP applications, confirm the correct submission destination with DRS before mailing personal or financial documents.
You can find the program’s contact information on its official webpage.
The agency also lists email, fax, and videophone contact options, which may be helpful if communicating by regular telephone is difficult.
Is There a Waiting List?
There may be.
Oklahoma DRS has explained that limited annual funding can delay hearing aid services and result in waiting lists.
The program does not publish a guaranteed timeframe for receiving a hearing aid.
Even if you meet the age, residency, income, and hearing loss requirements, the timing of assistance may depend on available funding and program capacity.
Before applying, you may want to ask whether new applications are currently being accepted and how long the process is expected to take.
What If You Need Other Hearing Equipment?
If you need something other than a hearing aid, Oklahoma DRS has another program worth exploring.
The Equipment Distribution Program helps eligible Oklahomans access certain communication and alerting devices.
This is a separate program with its own requirements. It does not mean that everyone who qualifies for SCHAP automatically qualifies for other equipment.
You can review the program’s webpage to see whether it offers something that fits your needs.
Relief Recap
Hearing loss can make everyday life harder, especially when the cost of hearing aids puts treatment out of reach.
Oklahoma’s Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program may help residents age 60 and older who meet the income requirements and have at least a 35-decibel hearing loss in their better ear.
The program provides one hearing aid per qualifying person, along with related evaluation and fitting services. Some applicants may have a copayment, and limited funding can cause delays.
To get started, visit the Oklahoma DRS Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program page and review the official application instructions.
Before sending your documents, confirm the correct submission address and ask whether the program is currently accepting applications.
