The loan bank temporarily lends new hearing aids to children statewide under age three who do not yet have a permanent device, but are in the process of getting one.

"We felt there was a gap in between when they were identified and when they would receive their amplification, and we know also that it's very important that we get hearing aids on children when it's appropriate as early as possible," said manager of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program, Pat Dewey.

So far, one child in the state has already received a hearing aid from the program. The loans are usually for a period of six months.

By Althea Paul