HUNTINGTON, WV – The lives of 20 area residents changed dramatically when they received a donated set of ReSound hearing aids through a collaboration by Audiology Services of West Virginia, Ebenezer Medical Outreach, and Help America Hear on July 12.
The recipients were identified as having moderate to profound hearing loss at a prior screening clinic conducted at Ebenezer by Dr. Carlee Cox Squires and Dr. Michael Squires, owners of Audiology Services of West Virginia. The hearing aids were donated through the generosity of hearing aid manufacturer ReSound and Help America Hear, a national not-for-profit.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Virginia has the highest prevalence of hearing loss in the nation at 24.7%. Dr. Carlee Cox Squires has personally witnessed how hearing loss can lead to social isolation and depression for many patients. Because of its serious consequences, the Squires see hearing loss as a major medical issue.
“Research is showing us that hearing loss steals resources from other areas of brain, which is why we see correlations with things like increased risk of falls, cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other things that look like memory loss,” Dr. Michael Squires said.
That makes the generosity of people like the Squires so important, according to Dan Hager, Executive Director of Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Huntington’s free and charitable clinic.
“These patients knew they needed hearing aids. They wanted them. They just had no way to get them,” Hager explained.
Most health insurance plans do not provide coverage for hearing aids. At an average cost of $4,600 for a pair of prescription hearing aids, this would be impossible for many to afford.
“Amazing things happen when faith and compassion motivate good people to work together, like we had here with Help America Hear and ReSound’s generous support and the incredible service of the Squires and their team at Audiology Services of West Virginia,” Hager said.
“The deaf hear: that’s biblical,” Hager added with a smile.
Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Inc. is Huntington’s free and charitable clinic for the uninsured, underinsured, and those on Medicaid. From its humble beginnings in 1986 to its wide variety of high-quality programs today, Ebenezer is building a healthy community. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 304-529-0753.