For many people, the ability to hear clearly is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a lifeline to connection, communication, community, and overall well being.
However, solutions for hearing loss, including hearing tests, hearing aids, and comprehensive hearing care, can be out of financial reach for many lower income members of our community.
That’s why, on November 8, 2024, the Live Better Foundation, the charitable arm of Live Better Hearing + Balance, hosted the transformative “Gift of Hearing” event at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland.
Led by our co-founder, Dr. Jenifer Cushing, this life-changing day provided over 40 low-income residents with free hearing tests, hearing aids, and follow-up care. Here are some highlights from this event and why we are working to bring the gift of hearing directly into the communities we serve.
Far too many people forgo hearing health care due to financial limitations, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being. According to recent studies, more than 28 million Americans who could benefit from hearing aids do not use them, often due to high costs.
Untreated hearing loss doesn’t just affect communication; it’s linked to higher risks of depression, cognitive decline, and social isolation.
Events like our “Gift of Hearing” event in Baltimore aim to bridge this gap, providing essential care to those who might otherwise go without.
At the heart of this mission is the belief that hearing healthcare is not a luxury—it’s a right. The Live Better Foundation is committed to bringing hearing care to underserved communities, ensuring that financial barriers don’t prevent individuals from living better lives.
The event, staffed by 15 dedicated volunteers, including audiologists and staff from Live Better Hearing + Balance, offered comprehensive hearing tests, ear inspections, and fittings for new hearing aids. Patients not only left with high-quality hearing devices but also received assurances of follow-up care at our local hearing health care clinics to maintain their hearing health. Those who did not receive devices onsite, like those patients who require higher powered hearing aids, scheduled appointments at a clinic near them for more personalized care.
One of the day’s highlights was when Ernestine Offer, a Baltimore resident who attended the event with a family member, was fit with a new set of hearing aids. Ernestine, who had long struggled with hearing loss, was overwhelmed with gratitude as she received her new hearing aids. We were so grateful to have her joy captured in a photo featured in The Baltimore Sun.
Hearing aids do more than amplify sound; they restore relationships, rebuild confidence, and reconnect individuals with their communities. For patients like Ernestine, the benefits extend far beyond better hearing—they include emotional well-being and a renewed sense of belonging.
This ripple effect of improved hearing resonates through families and communities, creating a more inclusive world for everyone.
We couldn’t have changed so many lives in one day all alone. The success of the “Gift of Hearing” event was a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when compassionate professionals and dedicated partners come together for a shared mission.
First, we couldn’t have accomplished so much without our incredible volunteers! At the heart of the day were the skilled audiologists from Live Better Hearing + Balance, who donated their time, energy, and expertise to ensure every patient received personalized and comprehensive care. Their commitment extended beyond just testing and fitting hearing aids; they took the time to explain results, address concerns, and make sure every individual felt heard and supported.
Equally important were the contributions from our current patients, who make charitable financial contributions or donations of previously-worn hearing aids, as well as from our hearing aid manufacturer partners, Phonak and Starkey. Their generous donations of state-of-the-art hearing aids provided patients with more than just devices—they offered life-changing tools to reconnect with their families, friends, and communities. By supplying the best in hearing technology, these sponsors ensured that recipients walked away with a solution tailored to their unique hearing needs.
This collaborative effort demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving lives through better hearing. The combined dedication of our audiologists, sponsors, and volunteers showcased the true power of teamwork in addressing the widespread issue of untreated hearing loss.
The success of the “Gift of Hearing” event is just the beginning. The Live Better Foundation is committed to continuing its mission of bringing hearing healthcare to those in need. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, there are countless ways to get involved.
If you have hearing aids you no longer use or plan to upgrade your devices in the future, consider donating them to the Live Better Foundation. Your generous contribution can provide someone in your community with the gift of improved hearing and a better quality of life. Plus, your donation may be tax-deductible (consult your tax advisor for details). It’s a simple way to make a meaningful difference for someone in need. Email us at info@livebetterfoundation.org for more information.
Future events are already in the works, and we invite you to join us in creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to hear better.
The “Gift of Hearing” event was a testament to the power of community, compassion, and care. Hearing healthcare should never be a privilege—it’s a necessity. Together, we can continue to change lives, one hearing aid at a time.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more about the Live Better Foundation, donate, or volunteer to bring hearing care to those who need it most.
