03/20/2026
"There is a great difference between hearing and listening. When you hear, words pass through your ears. When you listen, the words touch your very being."
This quote is especially meaningful to Anna. At age 43, she has been struggling with Type 1 diabetes, and her condition was made even more challenging by ongoing hearing loss. During doctor visits, Anna found it increasingly difficult to comprehend the full conversations about managing her care. Important details were missed, leading to confusion and frustration.
Thanks to a concerned family member, Anna’s situation was brought to the attention of Project Access. Although funding is limited, the organization had earmarked resources available to help. Through this support, Anna was able to purchase hearing aids.
She was amazed at how much she had been missing. Everyday household sounds became a new and welcome normal, and conversations no longer required exhausting effort. With clearer hearing came renewed confidence, something she didn’t realize she had lost.
It was a joy to see her smile when she agreed to share her story.