SAN DIEGO–Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Thanks to Palomar Health’s Chief Audiologist David M. Illich, Au.D., a deserving person who is unable to listen to the beautiful sounds of the holiday season, and everyday life, will receive the gift of hearing before the year’s end.
The ninth annual Hear for the Holidays contest is underway, with essays coming in from hopeful candidates throughout the inland north county area.
“We are pleased that more people become aware of our contest each year,” states Dr. Illich. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for those who suffer from hearing loss to let us know their stories, and explain why having state-of-the-art hearing devices and a lifetime of quality care would make such a difference in their lives. Each year we receive so many compelling essays, it is difficult to choose only one person as the winner.”
Entries will be accepted until November 22. A panel of judges of will determine the winner of the contest based on:
* Degree of hearing loss
* Financial need
* Quality of the essay
This year, Oticon, a hearing aid technology manufacturer is donating the hearing devices, and Dr. Illich will provide a lifetime of free office visits.
“The essay can be written by someone other than the person who is hearing impaired,” explains Dr. Illich. “Hearing loss affects friendships, families and a person’s ability to carry on in a job. Most people don’t understand how devastating it is to lose your hearing until it happens to them or to someone close to them. The eight people who have won this contest in previous years will tell you that their devices have made a tremendous difference in their lives.”
Hear for the Holidays was launched in 2005, with the blessing of Palomar Health, after Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on his family and so many others in Mississippi and Louisiana. It is his way of paying back the kindness people showed his loved ones.
The winner will be announced on Monday, December 2. E-mail essays to: hear4theholidays@hotmail.com. Mail essays to: Professional Hearing Associates, Inc. , 1045 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025
