Children's Hospital Association CHA grant supports a new hearing aid loaner bank at Children’s Minnesota The Audiology Department at Children’s Minnesota helps hundreds of deaf and hard of hearing get access to the amplification they need. The COVID-19 pandemic has put financial strains on many families cared for by Children’s Minnesota’s. But in 2020, CHA’s grant to the Audiology Department helped more infants and children get access to hearing aids. It’s making a greater impact than they could have ever imagined. “Hearing loss is often an unexpected and emotional diagnosis for families,” explained Dr. Jessica Novak, a pediatric audiologist at Children’s Minnesota. “As audiologists, we are humbled to be a part of this unique process that our families encounter.” A new hearing aid loaner bank CHA’s grant funded 22 new hearing aids for a new hearing aid loaner bank. Having loaner hearing aids available for their children is vital to helping their patients have consistent access to hearing technology and support their language outcomes. More than 100 deaf and hard of hearing kids received treatment thanks to CHA’s support. “We are incredibly grateful for the funding we have received from CHA,” says Dr. Abby Meyer, the Medical Director of Audiology and a pediatric ear, nose, and throat doctor. “It has helped us provide better and more culturally-appropriate care for our patients.” Hearing aid education in five languages Each family whose child is fitted with a hearing aid (loaner or personally purchased) also receives hearing aid education guides. These help families understand how to help their child adapt to using a hearing aid and optimize hearing aid use. CHA’s grant allowed these guides to be translated into five languages: Spanish, Karen, Somali, Amharic, and Hmong. Making days brighter In 2021, CHA’s grant will allow the Audiology Department to continue expanding its impact on deaf and hard of hearing children. “It’s such a special moment to see a child’s eyes light up when they hear their parents’ voices and their own laughter for the first time!” Dr. Novak exclaims. “The real joy is found in the little moments throughout a family’s journey of watching their child express themselves through the gift of hearing.” Share this story Twitter icon Our Caring Community Community Connect: Growing Support for All Families Community Connect is a vital part of Children’s Minnesota’s mission to be every family’s essential partner in raising healthier children. Children’s Hospital Association is proud to be a founding supporter. Resource Navigators connect families to existing community resources, including food, transportation services, legal assistance, housing support, early childhood education programs, employment search assistance and much … Continued Read More Give to Grow: Music Therapy Music therapy has been supported by Children’s Hospital Association for 14 years. Those donor-funded grants have helped the team expand music therapists to engage with babies in the NICU, launch specialized programs, and reach even more kids at Children’s Minnesota with the power of music. That impact resonates through the hospital. Last year, 3,723 kids received … Continued Read More Contribute to CHA for any occasion. Donate in Someone’s Honor For a birthday, anniversary, to express sympathy or to wish someone a speedy recovery. Make a Tribute Gift Help children a little bit each month. Be a Sustaining Supporter Contribute in any dollar amount on a monthly basis and create change. Give Back Monthly In 2020, you've inspired us to do more. Help us build innovative, inclusive, and integral health care programs at Children's Minnesota. DONATE Get in Touch CHA is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization 347 North Smith Ave., Suite 501 St. Paul, MN 55102 Phone: 651-220-6146 Email: infocha@childrensmn.org Get Involved Explore Programs Learn about CHA Attend an Event Join a Guild Read Stories Donate Search Board & Staff Page Stay connected All fields required*