News & Media

SHF Turns Desperation into Joy with Gift of Hearing

Since the age of two, Justin Tyle has suffered through life with a profound hearing loss. As a young man he lost his job because of a broken hearing aid that he could not afford to replace, rendering him homeless. He was forced to move in with his grandparents, and soon money, health and hope were depleted for the family. Justin became lonely and depressed, at one point attempting suicide.

However on Feb. 21 at the Coachella Valley mission, Justin was personally fit by Bill Austin with digital hearing aids in both ears, improving his circumstances forever. His grandmother, Donna Lynch, wrote SHF to tell us how much this day meant to the entire family and everyone who comes in contact with Justin.

"Your endeavors to make all this possible through the marvelous Starkey Hearing Foundation and all your generous help is so, so appreciated. Gratitude is the memory of the heart and you have made a difference in a fine young man," Donna told us.