Special to IFN

Thanks to the Miracle-Ear Foundation, Statesville resident Najee Glover is looking forward to continuing to learn to play the guitar and being able to hear his girlfriend’s laugh more clearly.

Glover, 27, was recently fitted with free hearing aids, courtesy of the foundation’s Gift of Sound program and the Statesville Miracle Ear store.

One of 48 million Americans who struggle with hearing loss, Glover participates in courses to help him learn mobility and working skills at a school for the blind and visually impaired, but he finds it difficult to hear in class. His improved hearing will also come in handy as he performs with the worship team at his church.

Glover first noticed his hearing loss as a teen, but this is his first time using hearing aids.

“He is visually and hearing impaired, but he doesn’t let that take away from his personality. He is incredibly deserving. His life is already challenging as he is blind. With his moderate-to-moderate severe hearing loss, this just made things doubly challenging,” said Hearing Care Professional Heather Burleson. “What an incredible way to positively impact his world by giving him the gift of sound!”

Glover was fit with Miracle-Ear SPARK hearing aids, which is the latest technology. They have Bluetooth for hands-free calling/streaming and a range of up to two football fields. They’re also AI-enabled and autosenses who is speaking for clear speech and communication.

Burleson said it was gift for her to be able to help Glover. And she will not soon forget watching him experience improved hearing.

“Pure Joy!” she said. “He was glowing! From the time the hearing aids were placed in his ears and during the entirety of the fitting, it was magic watching Najee’s world come alive around him.”