Help Julie Hear Again: Support for Hearing Aid

Last summer, I moved from Northern California to Nashville to chase my dream of becoming a songwriter and to be surrounded by music. But everything changed in February when I caught a cold and suddenly lost hearing in my right ear.

I was told I have Sudden sensorineural (“inner ear”) hearing loss (SSHL), in my right ear, commonly known as sudden deafness, an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing either all at once or over a few days.

Since then, I haven't been able to tell where sounds are coming from. Conversations are hard to follow, and I constantly have to ask people to repeat themselves. It's exhausting and frustrating. I can only hear in mono now, and it's been a heartbreaking adjustment. Even when my favorite songwriter, Mary Chapin Carpenter, released her new album, I could only hear it on one side. Music is such a big part of my life, losing part of it has been incredibly hard.

But last week, something amazing happened. I tried on an Oticon hearing aid, and for the first time in months, I could hear on my right side again. It felt like magic. Every voice was mostly clear, like someone speaking into a microphone. Everything was amplified and beautiful..

The hearing aid costs $1,855, and right now, I just can’t afford it. If you're able to help in any way, I would be forever grateful.

Even with this hearing loss, I’m still determined to follow my dream and become the songwriter I’ve always wanted to be. Music is my heart, and I won’t give up.

Thank you for supporting me and being part of my journey.

Love you all,

Julie