2026 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 15-17, 2026 • Jacksonville, FL
| Maximizing State Funding Resources to Alleviate Financial and Emotional Burdens
Maximizing State Funding Resources to Alleviate Financial and Emotional Burdens
Although there are many organizations, advocates, and institutions working to make hearing health care more accessible, financial burden continues to be a barrier of care for many families pursuing hearing intervention. Despite the known importance of early hearing intervention in children, only 32 states require private health insurance plans to include coverage for children’s hearing aids and hearing aid services. These gaps in care not only affect the individual and family but can be costly to institutional entities such as the education system due to the extra support they require. Children who do not receive early intervention for hearing loss cost schools an additional $420K and are faced with overall lifetime costs of $1 million in special education, lost wages, and health complications (Honeycutt et al., 2004; Johnson et al., 1993; Mohr et al., 2000). In an effort to ease the financial barrier to hearing health care in the pediatric population, Sertoma of Florida created the Children’s Hearing Aid Program (CHAP). The CHAP is designed to provide assistance in obtaining hearing aids and other hearing technologies for children residing in Florida aged 0-18 under 400% of the federal poverty level. The program was specifically aimed to meet the needs of families who do not qualify for Medicaid services, but still struggle financially to purchase expensive hearing aids and cover the cost of recurring follow up appointments. This presentation will explore Sertoma’s advocacy efforts, the positive impact of the CHAP on families and audiologists, and strategies for advancing the program statewide. Additionally, we will discuss the implementation process of this state-funded initiative within a large institution and the protocols developed to assist families in navigating the application process.
- Identify common barriers in obtaining hearing technology in early childhood
- List protocols necessary for successful implementation of a state funded financial relief program
- Outline benefits for both clinician and family on using state funded resources specifically for hearing related technology
Presentation:
3545975_18251AnnaFowler.pdf
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Anna Fowler
(Primary Presenter,Co-Author), University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, axf1907@med.miami.edu;
Anna Fowler currently serves as a pediatric audiologist at the UHealth Ear Institute’s Children’s Hearing Program. Anna obtained her Doctorate of Audiology from A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences. With her heart set on pediatric audiology, Anna aspires to make a lasting difference in the lives of young patients and their families.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Amy Metcalfe
(Co-Presenter,Co-Author), University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, art142@med.miami.edu;
Amy Torres is a dedicated licensed clinical social worker with a strong commitment to serving others. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Amy currently resides in Miami, holding a Master's degree from Florida International University. With much experience in the field, Amy has had the privilege of working with diverse cultures and populations, gaining an invaluable wealth of experience, insights, and understanding along the way. As part of the multidisciplinary team at the UHealth Ear Institute’s Children’s Hearing Program, she helps create a nurturing environment for patients, encouraging them to express themselves openly while providing the necessary support and guidance they seek. Pursuing to address the physical and social emotional barriers patients with hearing loss and their families encounter when needing appropriate care as well as increasing awareness in the community. Her unwavering passion has shaped her approach, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and evidence-based care techniques.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
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Nonfinancial -
Michelle Coppola
(Co-Author), University of Miami Children's Hearing Program, mxc2892@miami.edu;
Dr. Michelle Coppola is a clinical audiologist at University of Miami’s Ear Institute. She received her clinical doctorate in audiology from Rush University and is currently licensed in the state of Florida. Dr. Michelle Coppola specializes in pediatric audiology within the UM Children’s Hearing Program. Her areas of focus include diagnostic testing, hearing aids, osseointegrated devices, and electrophysiology testing.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Ivette Cejas
(Co-Author), University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, icejas@med.miami.edu;
Dr. Ivette Cejas is an Associate Professor and Director of Family Support Services at the University of Miami Ear Institute. She is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Florida. Dr. Cejas is a well-known researcher in pediatric hearing loss, publishing extensively in this area and at numerous conferences. As part of the UM Children’s Hearing program she provides therapeutic services to children and families coping with a hearing loss diagnosis or comorbid disorders. She is an advocate for all children with hearing loss and organizes a comprehensive family program at UHealth to assist families through their journey with hearing loss. She is on the Board of Directors at AG Bell and is a member of the American Cochlear Implant Alliance.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -