Patients Get Free Hearing Aids At 'Make A Difference Day'

DENVER (CBS4) – Approximately 100 financially-challenged Colorado patients received the gift of hearing on Saturday.

For Sandy Collins, hearing loss came as sort of a surprise -- both her diagnosis and the reaction from her friends and family.

"I said, 'I'm losing my hearing.' And she said, 'Oh, I've known that for a while' And I said, 'Well, why didn't you tell me?' " Collins said.

She was just one of 100 people across Denver who got free hearing aids.

"Today is our opportunity to give back," Dr. Matthew Wilken with the Hearing Rehab Center said.

The organization teamed up with the Colorado Gerontological Society for Make a Difference Day.

"Some of the people have been on the list for over 2 years," Wilken said.

For many of the patients, out-of-pocket costs would have been nearly $5,000. But now, thanks to donations, they gave away $300,000 worth of hearing aid technology for free to seniors who needed them.

"We've also had very generous donations from Starkey Hearing Technologies," Wilken said.

For many of the patients hearing loss is keeping them from enjoying life and loved ones.

"To see their faces light up when they can realize what they're missing has been quite enjoyable today."

"I can hardly believe that "I'm getting them without cost," Collins said.

As for patients like Collins, she's thankful to hear the things she's been missing -- and even those she hasn't.

"I don't know what to do with the political ads except to put them mute," Collin joked.

LINKS: Hearing Rehab Center | Colorado Gerontological Society