DoD Hearing Aid Program Information

The Retiree-At-Cost Hearing Aid Program (RACHAP) provides retired service members the opportunity to purchase hearing aids at government cost. The hearing aids are purchased directly from the manufacturer at substantial savings over the cost for the same hearing aids sold and fitted in the civilian community (often as much as 300% savings). Unfortunately, the RACHAP is not available to family members.

Retirees are encouraged to call and inquire as to availability of the RACHAP at the nearest Military Treatment Facility (MTF). If the RACHAP is available, the retiree will be instructed on how to obtain an appointment in the Audiology Clinic. At the appointment, a complete diagnostic evaluation will be performed by the MTF Audiologist, along with any necessary medical referrals. If it’s determined that the retiree may benefit from the use of amplification, the Audiologist will recommend a specific hearing aid(s) and prescription, along with the total cost. At most MTF’s, the retiree will be asked to provide payment at the time the hearing aid(s) is ordered. Upon receipt, the retiree will be scheduled for a Hearing Aid Fitting appointment.

This site lists the military bases that have the Hearing Aid Program available. Please consult the list, because a few of them do not provide for Retirees and not all bases have the program!

The site address is: http://www.militaryaudiology.org/rachap/state.html

AS ALWAYS - The VA also has a Hearing Aid program for all veterans, but it is extremely crowded and takes quite awhile to get the service unless you are service connected for hearing loss.