Sight + Sound, Fall 2025
In a community-driven initiative called HearUp, the Eye & Ear Foundation is looking to raise $150,000 a year to provide hearing care, including professionally fit hearing aids to people who otherwise cannot afford this care. Hearing aids and associated services often are not covered by Medicare and are rarely covered by private health insurance, so even people who have health insurance may not have access to the care they need.
The UPMC Audiology group and University of Pittsburgh Communication Science and Disorders group team up with the Eye & Ear Foundation to provide hearing care including hearing aids at several free clinics every month. These year-long services ensure ongoing support for individuals who may need hearing aid repairs and also provide access to free batteries. In addition, the team provides hearing aid fittings at the two-day Mission of Mercy event each year. The cost of providing these hearing aids and services is significant.
Communication is essential to the human condition and hearing is foundational to human communication. People living with untreated hearing loss may find daily interactions exhausting. Whether it is a job interview, doctor’s appointment, interacting with family, or simply understanding instructions, hearing well can be the difference between inclusion and isolation and independence vs dependence. Untreated hearing loss is linked to a variety of health outcomes including increased depression, anxiety, risk of falls, and cognitive decline.
What makes HearUp especially meaningful is its community-powered model. While the need is great, the cost of change is surprisingly manageable. Even small donations add up to make a life-changing impact. Each contribution – no matter the size – will become part of a larger effort to restore dignity, opportunity, and connection for people in our community. Donations are tax deductible.
To make a sound investment, donate online or send a check to the Eye & Ear Foundation.