2010-08-03 : “For Want of a Hearing Aid”

Aug 03, 2010

For Want of a Hearing Aid


"Ella"* spent the years during the Second World War in a work camp. Her two brothers were less fortunate - they were among the six million who perished during the Shoah.

Now in Israel and also widowed, she, like so many others, lives on less than $15,000 a year.

When our friend Darla Oz from House to House recently visited Ella she saw immediately how difficult life was...her stove was broken, her gas dryer was also in need of repair. Someone to help clean the tiny apartment would also benefit this 80+ year old woman.

But, as Darla shared, her most important need was clearly working hearing aids. Speaking to Ella on the phone was almost impossible, face-to-face was only slightly easier. Socializing with friends was difficult, leading her to even greater isolation. When Darla inquired about the aids, Ella explained that she did go to the audiologist but when she asked him if he could repair them he only laughed. When she asked why, "He said, 'Look, your hearing aids are 40 years old! What do you want?'"

Through the generosity of one of our donors, Ella will have a new hearing aid and who can imagine how the world will open up for her!

*To respect her privacy, we are using a pseudonym.