Whittier Hearing Angel Foundation – which aims to give the gift of hearing to those who cannot afford hearing aids – today announced that it donated 40 hearing aids to 20 in-need community members at its latest Gift of Hearing mission event at the Whittier Hearing Center in Whittier, California.
The one-day community outreach event, held on November 13th, provided pre-registered attendees with a set of digital hearing aids tailored to their specific hearing loss and listening needs. In addition to those fitted at the event, another ten people that could not attend will receive free hearing aids at separate appointments. When all fittings are completed, 60 hearing aids in total will have been donated.
“The Whittier Hearing Angel Foundation is proud to give the gift of hearing to the people in our community that need it,” said Mary Ann Gilbert, President of Whittier Hearing Angel Foundation. “Just in time for holiday parties and family gatherings, our recipients will now be able to appreciate every joke, follow every conversation and cherish every special moment.”
In addition to the hearing aids, the foundation provided all recipients a one year supply of batteries and wax filters, and guaranteed up to four office visits during the first year for adjustments and cleanings.
“We could have never afforded hearing aids before,” said hearing aid recipient David Mendoza. “It’s so nice to be able to come here, get hearing aids and not have to pay anything. It’s truly a blessing.”
“We had felt such strain and frustration in our relationship because of his hearing loss,” said David’s wife Gloria, holding back tears. “But when money is an issue, you don’t know where to go. What the Whittier Hearing Angel Foundation is doing is absolutely wonderful.”
Recipients went through three stations upon arrival. At the first station, their new hearing aids were fitted and programmed. At the second station, they were taught how to use their hearing aids, including insert and removal, battery changing, and cleaning and sanitization. At the third station, The California Telephone Access program and CapTel, a provider of telephone communications access for all deaf and disabled Californians, offered up 16 free amplified or captioned phones to those who needed them.
In all, twelve certified audiologists were on-site to ensure the event ran smoothly. Whittier Mayor Joe Venatieri was also in-person to award the foundation an official Certificate of Commendation. “The Whittier City Council applauds the Whittier Hearing Angel Foundation and honors this great community organization that has enhanced the quality of life for many,” the certificate read.
The Whittier Hearing Angel Foundation was founded in 2018 by Whittier Hearing Center, the city’s oldest, largest and most reputable hearing health practice. The foundation’s next Gift of Hearing mission event is scheduled for Spring 2022. COVID-prohibiting, it will be held in a local community center, allowing for even more people to be fit, and more people to volunteer to get involved. Anyone who has untreated hearing loss and is unable to afford hearing aids is encouraged to apply online today.
“We are always accepting applications. Those who cannot wait for our next event, due to the severity of their hearing problem or other health issues, may be fit within a few weeks of submitting their application,” said Samaí Chavez, Vice President of Whittier Hearing Angel Foundation. “We look forward to changing even more lives in 2022!”
To apply, volunteer for the spring event or donate, please visit whittierhearingangel.org. For images and videos from the event, click here.