Photo: Contributed
Galen Casey, left, received a set of premium hearing aids from Tom Millar of NexGen Hearing West Kelowna.
A West Kelowna resident new to Canada will be able to hear the sounds of the Okanagan in 2020 and beyond.
NexGen Hearing donated a pair of hearing aids earlier this month to Galen Casey, who visited the company’s West Kelowna location earlier this month but couldn’t acquire much-needed hearing aids since he didn’t have health insurance. Casey’s hearing loss was so severe that he was a potential surgical candidate, but it would be years before the procedure could be performed.
Sensing no other quick solution to the situation, NexGen Hearing West Kelowna clinic owner Tom Millar reached out to his suppliers. Oticon Canada stepped up and donated a pair of premium hearing aids worth more than $5,000.
“This unexpected gift will change my life, because it will improve the connection with my girlfriend’s children, new friends in a meaningful way and especially my girlfriend,” Casey said. “I will now be able to get out and meet new people, which I haven’t been able to do in a long time. I’m a musician, and I’m really looking forward to hearing my guitar again.”
Millar often gives away refurbished hearing aids and provides free service to those in need throughout the year. He was more than happy to help out Casey.
“Galen was in a unique situation that needed an immediate solution,” Millar said. “Often, there is no option for surgery to correct hearing loss on short notice, and without health insurance coverage, hearing aids would be a very costly expense.
“I get the most joy from watching my client’s faces light up when they can hear again. It is so rewarding.”
NexGen offers a free hearing test for anyone who needs it. You can schedule an appointment here.
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