ESCONDIDO–Palomar Medical Center Escondido and Poway are collecting used hearing devices in support of the “So the World May Hear” campaign.
Last year the medical centers collected 87 devices, this year they hope to collect at least 100.
Worldwide more than 300 million people suffer from hearing loss, with 97 percent unable to afford a hearing device. Partnering with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, Palomar Health and Chief of Audiology Dr. David Illich are collecting used hearing devices to change people’s lives all over the world. People like Silvia who is about to become the first hearing impaired architect in El Salvador.
Silvia was born with profound hearing loss and wasn’t able to lead a normal life. At age seven she was fitted with donated hearing aids from the Starkey Hearing Foundation and it opened up a whole new world of possibilities.
Silvia says of those who have supported her with hearing aids for the past 20 years, “You have made my dreams a reality.”
Since 2010, Dr. Illich and other volunteer audiologists have repurposed more than 850,000 used hearing devices to bring the gift of sound to people like Silvia, profoundly impacting the lives of people all over the world.
Dr. Illich has personally traveled to multiple continents on his own time and dime to fit children, young adults, and senior citizens with donated hearing devices that have been reconditioned by the Starkey Foundation.
“It is a euphoric feeling to give someone the gift of hearing,” said Dr. Illich. “It can change a family’s quality of life for generations.”
If you or someone you know wants to make dreams come true, please visit one of our two locations and place the hearing device in the donation box. You will receive a tax deduction receipt for your donation.
