Ears for Joni!
Donation protected
If you don't already know her, I'd like you to meet my friend Joni. She lives with severe hearing loss and this is her world.
"Over the past several years as my hearing has declined and I have been without proper hearing aids, I've found that I have isolated myself more, I've become more comfortable in my own silence to the point that at times sound is almost painful. This has been a huge step backwards for me especially after all the progress I had made when I first got hearing aids. My world has narrowed to close friends and family. I don't socialize like I used to, and in larger social gatherings, I feel like I am on the sidelines with an exhausting amount of time spent trying to understand what is being said, and then often pretending to hear and hoping I'm nodding and laughing at the correct moments and answering correctly. Or I don't participate at all. It's frustrating to me, and to those around me.
By obtaining new hearing aids I will be able to live my life to the fullest. Not being able to hear well has held me back from pursuing career opportunities and furthering my education, even dating. All the things that hearing people take for granted, I will be able to fully enjoy. Something as simple as going to the movies, understanding a conversation, and feeling safe by not only hearing the sounds around me, but understanding them. It will increase my quality of life in ways not imaginable to a person with normal hearing, and make me feel like me again. And I've really missed me."
This is life with a Bi-lateral Sensorineural High Frequency Mild sloping to Severe hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, and in most cases there are no medical or surgical treatment options. In Joni's case, hearing aids are the primary and most beneficial treatment.
People with this type of loss often note they can hear, but not clearly. Speech is difficult to understand, making conversation challenging and telephone use is frustrating. Social situations presenting background noise and multiple voices are often extremely demanding and stressful.
After a decade of gradual hearing loss, Joni is now considered deaf at the higher frequencies. Her ten year old hearing aids no longer work. She has been making do with hand-me-down borrowed aids which are inadequate. Technology has improved radically in the last ten years. Joni does not have an insurance plan that covers any cost of the devices which would so dramatically improve her quality of life.
What's the plan?
The $6000 goal we have set will pay for a new pair of hearing aids and help cover audiologist fees. An audiologist will provide initial fitting, programming, and training. The nature of Joni's hearing loss will require follow-up adjustments. In addition, any remaining funds will be used for batteries, a "shaker" alarm clock (Joni cannot hear an alarm clock and her cat wakes her for work) and a special smoke detector for the hearing impaired.
How can I help?
A donation in any amount is welcome and will make a difference in Joni's life. No gift is too small - your caring is truly appreciated. Thank you for your love, generosity and support!
"Over the past several years as my hearing has declined and I have been without proper hearing aids, I've found that I have isolated myself more, I've become more comfortable in my own silence to the point that at times sound is almost painful. This has been a huge step backwards for me especially after all the progress I had made when I first got hearing aids. My world has narrowed to close friends and family. I don't socialize like I used to, and in larger social gatherings, I feel like I am on the sidelines with an exhausting amount of time spent trying to understand what is being said, and then often pretending to hear and hoping I'm nodding and laughing at the correct moments and answering correctly. Or I don't participate at all. It's frustrating to me, and to those around me.
By obtaining new hearing aids I will be able to live my life to the fullest. Not being able to hear well has held me back from pursuing career opportunities and furthering my education, even dating. All the things that hearing people take for granted, I will be able to fully enjoy. Something as simple as going to the movies, understanding a conversation, and feeling safe by not only hearing the sounds around me, but understanding them. It will increase my quality of life in ways not imaginable to a person with normal hearing, and make me feel like me again. And I've really missed me."
This is life with a Bi-lateral Sensorineural High Frequency Mild sloping to Severe hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent, and in most cases there are no medical or surgical treatment options. In Joni's case, hearing aids are the primary and most beneficial treatment.
People with this type of loss often note they can hear, but not clearly. Speech is difficult to understand, making conversation challenging and telephone use is frustrating. Social situations presenting background noise and multiple voices are often extremely demanding and stressful.
After a decade of gradual hearing loss, Joni is now considered deaf at the higher frequencies. Her ten year old hearing aids no longer work. She has been making do with hand-me-down borrowed aids which are inadequate. Technology has improved radically in the last ten years. Joni does not have an insurance plan that covers any cost of the devices which would so dramatically improve her quality of life.
What's the plan?
The $6000 goal we have set will pay for a new pair of hearing aids and help cover audiologist fees. An audiologist will provide initial fitting, programming, and training. The nature of Joni's hearing loss will require follow-up adjustments. In addition, any remaining funds will be used for batteries, a "shaker" alarm clock (Joni cannot hear an alarm clock and her cat wakes her for work) and a special smoke detector for the hearing impaired.
How can I help?
A donation in any amount is welcome and will make a difference in Joni's life. No gift is too small - your caring is truly appreciated. Thank you for your love, generosity and support!
Organizer
Anne Emery Adams
Organizer
Manchester Township, MI
