Our Mission
The Foundation accomplishes this mission through our programs: Hearing Aid Assistance, Hearing Aid Recycling, and Research.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a determination letter in June 1982 recognizing The Hearing and Speech Foundation as exempt from Federal income tax and that we were exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
![young woman wearing hearing aid](https://hsfweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/young-woman-smiling-at-phone.jpg)
Our History
In 1981 The Hearing and Speech Foundation was founded.
1981
![](https://hsfweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HSF-logo.jpg)
We expanded our domestic Hearing Aid Assistance Program to over 20 additional East Tennessee counties.
1999
![The Hearing & Speech Foundation logo](https://hsfweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hsf-old-logo-for-timeline.jpg)
Partnered with the Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf to provide hearing aids and services to children at three deaf schools in Jamaica.
1999
![](https://hsfweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Jamaica-Kids.jpg)
Launched the Research and Development Program from a grant from the Fluor Foundation.
2002
![Anechoic Chamber](https://hsfweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Chamber1-scaled.jpg)
Started The Ultimate Away Game Tailgate Party, our signature fundraising event.
2006
![](https://hsfweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/East-Club_seating-view.jpg)
Launched our Hearing Aid Recycling Program.
2008
![different hearing aids](https://hsfweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Hearing-Aids-Picture-2-1.jpg)
Began serving individuals diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)
2011
![boy sitting in a chair with a toy](https://hsfweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Steven.jpg)
With a renewed vision and a fresh identity, we went through a rebrand in 2023. This transformation reflects our commitment to innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that our services are accessible and impactful for all those in need.
2023
![](https://hsfweb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Color-Logo-HearingSpeechFoundation-1.png)