Help a loved one hear for the holidays

ESCONDIDO – Hearing the sound of a loved one’s voice or a favorite song on a music player is something many people take for granted, but millions of Americans can’t enjoy the same due to hearing loss.

This holiday season Palomar Health Chief Audiologist Dr. David Illich and hearing device manufacturer Oticon will reward one deserving hearing-impaired individual with a new pair of Oticon digital hearing devices and a lifetime of free office visits with Illich through the 13th annual Hear for the Holidays essay contest.

“It’s a whole new world,” Ruth Penny, last year’s winner, said after receiving her new hearing aids. “I cannot put into words the extent of the change in my life. It’s better than a million dollar lottery as far as I’m concerned.”

To qualify, candidates or someone on their behalf must submit an essay of 300 words or less describing why they deserve the hearing aids. The winning essay will be selected based on the following criteria: financial need, impact of hearing disability on quality of life and quality of the essay. Candidates must be 18 years of age or older.

Essays will be accepted from Oct. 16 through Nov. 13. Applicants can email their essay to [email protected] or mail it to Professional Hearing Associates at 1045 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025. The winner will be announced Monday, Dec. 11.