Over 30 percent of people over age 65 experience hearing loss, while over 40 percent of people over 75 have hearing loss.

To help those who suffer from hearing loss, Emanuel Medical Center (EMC) Health Foundation and Costco are teaming up to offer free hearing tests and hearing aids to those 55 and older living in Ceres, Keyes, Hughson and other local areas.

“Our goal is to increase access to hearing services and rehabilitation devices, removing the cost barrier to care and improving long-term health and mental health outcomes of seniors 55 and older,” said Jeffrey Lewis, president and CEO of the EMC Health Foundation based in Turlock. “A partnership with USF and Costco will guarantee quality hearings and access to people through our partnership with Costco.”

Those who are eligible for the free services include uninsured adults 55 years and older; adults with employer-provided insurance 55 and older; and people enrolled in Medicare who live in any of the following zip codes: Ceres 95307; Keyes 95328; Hughson 95326; Turlock 95380 and 95382; Denair 95316; Newman 95360; West Modesto 95358; Crows Landing 95313; Ballico 95303; Livingston, 95334; Patterson, Diablo Grande, Grayson/Westley 95363; Hilmar 95324; Atwater, Buhach 95301; Winton, Cressey 95388; Gustine/Santa Nella 95322; Delhi 95315; and Stevinson 95374.

Seniors need not be a Costco member to participate in the free program.

How it works:

1). Call the United Samaritans Foundation at (209) 668-4853 to schedule an appointment and receive a voucher;

2). Free hearing tests will be conducted at the Turlock Costco, 2955 N. Tegner Road;

3). If prescribed, free hearing aids will be ordered.

Multiple studies have shown a link between hearing loss and dementia in older adults, with people who have hearing loss being more likely to develop dementia than those without. The risk of dementia doubles with mild hearing loss; while it triples with moderate hearing loss; and five times with severe hearing loss.