When my son was born, he failed his newborn hearing screening. And then he failed it again. And again. What followed was a confusing and emotional journey through a healthcare system that didn’t always listen — but eventually, we found our way to an audiologist who did.
That experience didn’t just change the course of my son’s life; it opened my eyes to the kind of compassionate, accessible care every family deserves. It’s what led me to GiveHear — and why I’m now proud to serve on their board of directors.
GiveHear provides hearing healthcare on a sliding fee scale, meeting people with dignity and making sure no one misses out on connection simply because they can’t afford it. From newborns to seniors, their work is changing lives — and it’s restored some of my own faith in what healthcare can be. I recently had the opportunity to share our family’s story at two GiveHear fundraising events, highlighting the personal connection behind my role on the board.
That speech is included below as a way to shed light on why this organization’s work is so important.
For those moved by the mission, supporting GiveHear means helping to ensure that no one is prevented from full participation in life due to hearing loss. Every donation helps provide hearing services to individuals and families who may otherwise go without care.
It is truly an honor to serve on the board of GiveHear. In the few months I’ve been involved with this incredible organization, I’ve seen firsthand how the power of generosity can change lives.
Thanks to GiveHear — and thanks to people like you — individuals and families who might otherwise go unheard get the chance to experience the world of sound. I can personally speak to the life-changing impact of hearing healthcare.
When my son, Max, was born five years ago, he failed his newborn hearing screening. And then he failed it again. And again. In the hospital, I remember the nurses and technicians reassuring us: “It’s probably just fluid in his ears.” “Most families don’t even follow up because the tests are so expensive.”
Both of those statements might be true—most babies who fail their newborn hearing screening do eventually pass with normal hearing. And hearing tests, not to mention hearing aids and other essential technology, can cost thousands of dollars, even with insurance.
But those statements, spoken so casually, were also incredibly dangerous. Because if a child with hearing loss does not receive early intervention by six months of age, they are at risk of falling one to four grade levels behind their peers.
My son almost fell into that statistic.
Hearing loss was new to us – we had no family history, so the tests in the hospital were a complete surprise. At home, Max was responding to the sound of our voices and startling when our dogs would bark. So, when our referral got bounced around offices, we almost forgot about it.
Thankfully, we got a call from an incredible audiologist a few months later urging us to come in for a hearing screening as soon as possible. Max was diagnosed with moderately-severe sensorineural hearing loss, and he was fitted with hearing aids when he was 6 months old. Thanks to that early intervention, Max is now thriving in kindergarten.
That experience showed me just how critical it is to have compassionate, knowledgeable audiologists who advocate for their patients. And I’m honored that one of those incredible professionals is here with us tonight. Dr. Chelsea Twyman-Douglas is one of GiveHear’s caring audiologists, dedicated to ensuring that families — no matter their financial situation — receive the hearing care they need.
But not every family is lucky enough to fall into the care of an audiologist who goes above and beyond. Too many parents never get that urgent phone call, never find the right resources, and never receive the life-changing intervention their child needs.
Thousands of people in northeast Indiana—children, teens, adults, and seniors—are living with untreated hearing loss simply because they can’t afford the care they need.
And untreated hearing loss is not just an inconvenience. It can lead to social isolation, difficulty in school, job loss, depression, and even an increased risk of dementia.
That’s where GiveHear steps in.
GiveHear provides high-quality hearing healthcare on a sliding fee scale—offering hearing tests, hearing aids, school screenings, and even specialized services for newborns and cancer patients.
Through its Circle of Giving program, GiveHear treats every patient with dignity and empowers them to give back to their community. But it all starts with generosity. Someone chooses to give.
GiveHear provides services with dignity. And in return, patients pay it forward—because restored hearing is a gift that creates ripples throughout our entire community. I’ve experienced this firsthand.
After my son was diagnosed, Dr. Twyman-Douglas sat with us, patiently answering all of our questions. And then she asked us just one: “What are your hopes and dreams for Max?”
We told her: We want him to be happy, to be confident, to find meaning in his life.
And she said something that I will never forget: “None of that needs to change just because of this diagnosis.”
Unfortunately, for many people in our community, hearing loss does stand in the way of their hopes and dreams. It limits job opportunities, isolates them from loved ones, and takes away the joy of participating in life.
But you have the power to change that.
By giving, you help ensure that no child in northeast Indiana struggles in school simply because they can’t hear. That no senior sits in silence, unable to enjoy a conversation with their grandchild. That no person is forced to choose between basic living expenses and the ability to hear.
This is the power of generosity. And it starts with you.
