In Syracuse, NY, Robert Cooper was recently fitted with brand new Oticon hearing aids at no cost to him by Hearing Aid Consultants of CNY, LLC. This was made possible through HearStrong’s Pay It Forward program. Robert was nominated to receive these new devices by HearStrong Champion, Dr. Laura Pratesi. Laura is an audiologist who is passionate about getting others connected to better hearing. She immediately knew she wanted to help Robert once she learned of his story.

HearStrong is dedicated to helping the 80% of people with untreated hearing loss receive necessary hearing technology. This is achieved by recognizing outstanding adults and children with hearing loss and giving them a platform to empower and serve others in need of hearing care. These individuals are called HearStrong Champions. Champions are allowed to select an individual in need to receive a free set of hearing devices.

Robert Cooper was born profoundly Deaf and grew up communicating using American Sign Language (ASL). After high school, he finally decided to give his hearing aids a try. With hearing aids, Robert can identify background noises and voices, but to this day, he still can’t understand spoken words. Now at age 50, he was in desperate need of an updated pair of hearing aids.

On October 5^th, Robert was fit with a brand-new pair of Oticon hearing aids by Peter McMahon at Hearing Aid Consultants of CNY, LLC in Syracuse, NY. HearStrong ensured that an ASL interpreter from CNY of Aurora was present for Robert’s screening and fitting. With his new devices, Robert ⁠can now hear background noises and figure out where they are coming from while working as a carpenter. ⁠

McMahon said, “Mr. Cooper is a very patient person, and he was ready to get something new. You could almost see a weight lifted off his shoulders after being fit with the new technology.”⁠

After receiving his new hearing aids, Robert said, “My experience with HearStrong was very humbling and life-changing! I am eternally grateful for the organization.”

The hearing aids were donated to Robert by HearStrong’s longtime sponsor, EarQ. A portion of every EarQ branded hearing aid purchase is donated to HearStrong to help even more individuals access the hearing aids they need. Getting Robert connected to hearing better was made possible through the generosity of EarQ, Aurora of CNY’s ASL interpreter service, and Hearing Aid Consultants’ services.

 

About HearStrong

HearStrong was founded in 2013 with the goal of inspiring a mass hearing healthcare awareness movement. An estimated 48 million Americans experience hearing loss. In response to this need, HearStrong began recognizing and sharing the stories of remarkable people with hearing loss. Today, HearStrong’s efforts have expanded, and the organization partners with hearing healthcare professionals across the country to give people of all ages access to hearing health services.

About Hearing Aid Consultants of CNY, LLC

Hearing Aid Consultants of CNY specializes in the evaluation and non-medical treatment of hearing loss for people of all ages. Their mission is to provide Cortland, Ithaca, Syracuse, Baldwinsville, and the surrounding communities with the very best professional hearing healthcare. Hearing Aid Consultants of CNY ensures their patients don’t miss out on any of life’s precious moments. They strive to build long-term relationships with their patients and with the professionals who refer them, building on the foundations of honesty, integrity, and respect.

About EarQ

A prestigious nationwide network of independent hearing healthcare providers, EarQ utilizes innovative business and marketing practices, as well as national public awareness efforts to advocate for excellence in the industry and patient care. Through its 1,400 hearing healthcare provider locations nationwide, EarQ helps provide greater access to quality hearing healthcare services and products.