THE GIFT OF SOUND

BY RON PAZOLA, STAFF WRITER

 

Ronna Fisher wants people to hear. That's why she became a licensed clinical audiologist. That's also why she is participating in a drive to collect used hearing aids that can be recycled.

Fisher, president of Hearing Health Center, which has offices in Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace and Chicago, announced all three locations will serve as collection sites for the hearing aids through the end of the year.

The devices will be donated to Minneapolis-based Hear Now, a nonprofit organization that refurbishes hearing aids and distributes them to low-income families nationwide.

"Many people don't realize that used hearing aids still have value," Fisher said. "People shouldn't throw them away because they can be used by others."

Anyone who donates an aid will receive a credit toward a hearing exam or the purchase of new aids at Hearing Health Center. Fisher said she hopes that when people help others, they also will be encouraged to have their hearing checked or the efficiency of their hearing aids re-evaluated.

"If a person comes to our office and can't afford a hearing aid, we'll work with Hear Now to see if that person qualifies for financial assistance," she said.

According to Hear Now program director Joanita Stelter, the organization serves an entire class of people who cannot come close to buying hearing aids.

"The average household we work with makes a yearly income of $7,500," Stelter said.

To have a hearing aid checked or for more information about the drop-off sites, call Fisher at (312) 263-7171.

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