Celebration Generates Over $500,000 in economic return for Northeast Indiana

More than 150 people joined GiveHear in celebrating it’s 10^th year of service to the community through a virtual 10 Years of Ears Celebration that concluded on October 20. It is estimated that funds raised through the initiative will not only help dozens of people enjoy the benefits of restored hearing but will also generate more than $500,000 in economic return for the community at large.

“The supporters of GiveHear have a legacy of fostering great care for our community,” said Matt Rowan, Executive Director for GiveHear. “It takes a groundswell of people coming alongside a cause to make a nonprofit a success and that’s exactly what our organization has been fortunate to experience in the last 10 years.”

Untreated hearing loss often leads to a variety of health and economic concerns for individuals and their families. When hearing loss goes untreated, it can lead to strained relationships, isolation, unemployment, and learning delays — because of this, the World Health Organization estimates that for every $1.00 invested in hearing healthcare, there is a $16.00 economic return.

“When we look at untreated hearing loss as a factor in other difficulties for our lower income community members, it becomes clear that it’s a huge priority to make sure everyone has access to treatment,” said Rowan.

While up to 80% of cases of hearing loss can be improved with hearing aids, only about 16% of individuals with hearing loss seek treatment. With costs for a pair of hearing aids ranging from $3,500-$7,000 out of pocket, it is often not attainable for low-income families.

GiveHear is an audiology clinic that provides hearing healthcare on a sliding-fee scale based on patient’s income, with a vison that no person be prevented from full participation in life due to hearing loss.

“We are privileged to have helped more than 3,000 people receive restored hearing since 2011,” said Rowan. “The impact that this can have for the community at large is incredibly profound and inspires us to keep working on improving more people’s lives for decades to come.”

The celebration was made possible thanks in part to corporate sponsorships from Steel Dynamics and Fort Wayne Metals in addition to Ambassador Enterprises, and Kitch Acceptance Corporation. Additional considerations were provided by Sweetwater Sound, PHP Employee Benefits, PNC Bank, The Surack Family Foundation, and WPTA.

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About GiveHear: GiveHear is a nonprofit Audiology clinic celebrating 10 years of work to ensure that no person be prevented from full participation in life due to hearing loss. Hearing aids, hearing tests, and screening events are made affordable to those who couldn’t otherwise pay through the generosity of others. Learn more at GiveHear.org