While 95% of people with hearing loss can benefit from a hearing aid, 30% of patients cannot afford one. Fortunately there are many organizations and charities worldwide that offer free hearing aids to people who qualify. Typically, a patient will need a doctor's diagnosis to qualify. In many cases, proven financial need will also be necessary.

The Lions Club International Foundation collects used hearing aids. After having them refurbished, the organization distributes them to patients who demonstrate financial need. The Children's Miracle Network serves children with medical needs, including hearing loss, in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Australia.

The Gift of Hearing Foundation's mission is to provide low-cost cochlear implant surgery to low-income patients. The Let Them Hear Foundation provides free services to low-income hearing impaired people without health care. Serving both children and adults, the foundation mainly cares for patients in the United States, but also conducts global trips to serve people worldwide.

Hearing for Children provides cochlear implants for children and adults around the world. It requires patients to pay what they can, and then distributes low or no interest loans to fulfill the rest of the cost. Free hearing aids are available for patients completely unable to pay. The Help Me Hear Foundation gives free hearing aids to impoverished children across the world.

Rotary International is a worldwide service organization made up of 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. They provide various health services, including free hearing aids. Assisting children under the age of 14, Miracle-Ear® Children's Foundation serves residents of the United States and Puerto Rico by providing free hearing aids as well as support services.

Hear Now, a project of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, assists residents of the United States who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and have limited financial resources. United States residents may also benefit from the Sertoma Club, a civic service organization that provides hearing and speech support. The Disabled Children's Relief Fund, which helps children with disabilities obtain medical equipment, including hearing aids, is also available.

Doctors and other health care professionals can also be able to direct people in need to both local and international services that provide hearing aids at little or no cost. Schools and government health and rehabilitation services for children or people with disabilities, such as Medicaid in the United States, may also be able to help. Implant centers themselves also sometimes have charitable programs available to patients.