Ingrid’s Hearing Aid Fund

I was 18 when I lost the majority of my hearing and was diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. I am now 33 and have approximately 18% of hearing left in both ears (profound hearing loss). 

I decided not to get Cochlear Implants. It just isn’t for me. Hearing aids have been my lifeline- my chance at hearing my family and friends, despite my declining hearing. I got my first pair of HAs when I was 19, and they changed my quality of life immensely.  I had my first pair for 10 years, and the ones I have now (my second pair) for almost 5 years. Unfortunately, hearing aids do not last forever, are very expensive ($6,400+), and they are NOT covered by insurance (they consider them an “elective”). 

My hearing aids are no longer truly effective, and I need more powerful ones that work for profound hearing loss. My goal is to afford Oticon Opn 1- a hearing aid that is made for noisier environments and conversation. As an older adult now with a teaching position at a non-profit school for kids with developmental disabilities, I struggle to keep up with my students and co-workers. In my social life, I have become more isolated because my HAs are not strong enough for my hearing loss and I can’t follow the conversations around me. Everyday we face interactions that depend on our hearing- please, consider donating to my Go Fund Me campaign, and giving me a chance to get my hearing “back” through better hearing aids. Your donations mean more than I could ever truly express. Thank you!