BURBANK NOON LIONS
BRING THE SOUND OF LAUGHTER TO THE HEARING IMPAIRED
By Marva Murphy
2M Communications
Statistics show that 24 million in the US have a significant hearing
loss, 2 million are under 18 and one-third of older Americans has hearing
problems. Hearing loss is the third leading chronic disability following
arthritis and hypertension in older Americans. Many in the Burbank
community, young and old, live in isolation due to hearing loss because of
the prohibitive cost of purchasing hearing aids.
"Ear of the Lion" is a Lions Club International non-profit
program designed to meet the hearing needs of low-income individuals. Its
purpose is to insure that no one walk around isolated from family and
friends due to a correctable hearing loss because of a lack of funds.
 The
program begins with the collection of used hearing aids in the community
by Burbank Noon Lion members. Local audiologists are recruited to
participate in the Ear of the Lion's Network of Cooperation, providing
licensed care for patient.
Potential recipients complete an application to determine eligibility.
Those qualifying are then given tests by an audiologist to determine their
specific needs. Used hearing aids are cleaned, reconditioned and reshelled
by a competent repair service to meet the client's prescription. Fittings
and adjustments are provided by the audiologist and the Ear of the Lion
recipient is once again able to hear - provided at no cost by the Burbank
Noon Lions, except for an $150 per hearing aid loan fee.
When the Ear of the Lion Foundation was begun in 1995…197 hearing
aids were issued through the Foundation, at a value of $295,000.00 to
Northern California residents. In 1999…1,030 hearing aids were issued to
residents in both Northern and Southern California for a retail value of
$1,545,000.00. From January of 2000 through December of 2003, there were
3,189 free hearing aids distributed via Lions Clubs equaling a retail
value of $4,783,500.00. The Ear of the Lion project can only be offered in
cities where a local Lions club has joined the Foundation to participate.
Those interested in completing an eligibility application, know someone
who may qualify or have one or more used hearing aids to donate for
recycling, please contact Marva Murphy, at 818.955-8018 or email to: mm@2m4pr.com,
or pick up an application at any of the three public sites around the
city: Joslyn Senior Center; Burbank Central Library and Burbank Recycle
Center.
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Application packets are available based on the
following guidelines:
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Number of Family Members
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Annual Household Income Limit*
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2 (Husband & Wife)
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$23,000
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PLUS-
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1 child
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$25,000
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2 children
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$28,000
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3 children
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$30,500
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4 children
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$33,000 etc.
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*If income is more than shown, the Foundation may provide
assistance based upon circumstances.
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Documentation needed: Copy of latest income tax return,
Statement of Benefits from Social Security or copy of any
document verifying income.
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Burbank Central Library
110 No. Glenoaks
Buena Vista Library
300 N. Buena Vista
Burbank Recycle Center
500 South Flower Street
Burbank Temporary Aid Center
1304 W. Burbank Blvd.
First United Methodist Church
700 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
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YMCA
321 W. Magnolia Blvd
First State Bank
333 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
Josyln Adult Center
1301 W. Olive
King, King, Alleman & Jensen
303 N. Glenoaks Blvd., # 750
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CONTACT:
Marva Murphy 818-955-8018 or mm@2m4pr.com
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