Imagine sitting in a meeting or talking to a group of friends and being unable to hear what was being said. This has been Barb Wolf’s reality for as long as she can remember As an infant and toddler, Barb had chronic ear infections. Doctors later identified a rare form of cyst –– cholesteatoma –– in both of Barb’s ears. This condition eroded the nerves and bones of her inner ear. To date, Barb has had 4 ear surgeries in total. Scar tissue and ear canal damage has led to profound hearing loss that gets worse over time.  
 
Barb’s hearing is rapidly deteriorating.  In her most recent hearing test, she had lost between 15-30 decibels hearing range in each frequency compared to testing performed 1.5 years prior. Her condition will continue to deteriorate without surgery.  
 
Since hearing aids only transmit sound through the ear canal, they aren’t effective in helping Barb hear. Her doctor has recommended implants called Cochlear Osia, with the Osia 2 Sound Processor. This implant bypasses the ear canal and middle ear to transmit sound directly to inner ear. It’s Barb’s only hope of beginning to hear like other people. But, without help, the cost of this procedure is insurmountable: 
 
$600 for the hospital stay.  
 
$1000 for an audiologist to program her auditory devices.  
 
Anesthesia, surgeon, and nurses will cost about an additional $1000. 
 
Combined, this will cost a total of around $2600. Barb’s life is one of service to those around her. Her friends, family, and the animals she takes in and helps rehabilitate can all attest to her selflessness. This holiday season, let’s help Barb get the surgery she so needs.