A 13 year old girl with moderate unilateral loss with normal hearing in the other ear. Her parents spoke freely of their high expectations for her scholastically and the frustration with her varied performance in school. They mentioned her missing critical information and how hard it was for her to hear the teacher when the teacher’s back was turned toward the board and away from the class. Likewise at home there was additional tension because sometimes the girl would respond appropriately, and at other times not be aware of what was going on. When the ReSound Live 7 BTE hearing aid was turned on her face lit up and she just kept saying “I can hear better.” Prior to being referred to Help America Hear, the parents were trying to figure out how to save for a hearing aid, and how long that might take them. A big difference was made to the lives of both the girl and her family. Reduced stress at home, greater happiness, and more consistent performance in school are just some of the improvements she will experience with her new aid and better hearing.
A young man with severe-profound congenital familial hearing loss who was wearing 15 year old analog mini BTE aids (too weak) with yellowed ear molds. He also had the benefit of an assistance dog. It was a treat to program the SPARX aids and provide much needed gain. He experienced an instant change from his old hearing aids. His whole body relaxed and he sat back in his chair and smiled.
A woman with both reduced vision and reduced hearing. Her husband has reduced visual acuity as well so that makes for a trying situation. She simply wanted to be able to participate in conversation with family and friends and to hear her audio books better. The Live 7 BTEs that she was fit with will allow her to do that.