Hearoes for Hearing

Hearoes for Hearing is a student-run non-profit established in 2005, whose mission is to raise awareness and funds to support patients in the UF Health Cochlear Implant Program. Hearoes is the philanthropy of the University of Florida's National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA), engaging UF students and the greater Gainesville community to support hearing health initiatives. All proceeds assist in the acquisition of audiological equipment and therapy materials for families.

A cochlear implant is a device that provides direct electrical stimulation to the auditory (hearing) nerve in the inner ear. Children and adults with a severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids may be better candidates for cochlear implants (ASHA). Costs of evaluations, hospital bills, implantation, the device, and programming can run up to $100,000, highlighting the importance of organizations like Hearoes for Hearing to support families with such expenses.