BATON ROUGE — The Emerge Center is expanding its Sound of Hope initiative this fall to
help more people in the community recognize, address and overcome the barriers created by
hearing loss.

Hearing loss can affect far more than a person's ability to hear. It can make everyday
conversations more difficult, limit participation in social activities and contribute to isolation. Yet
many people delay seeking care or do not have access to needed hearing services and technology.

Through Sound of Hope, the Emerge Audiology team will bring hearing health resources into
the community through hearing screenings, education and connections to care. The initiative will
reach local schools, businesses and community organizations, helping people better understand
hearing health and identify when additional support may be needed.

As an accredited partner of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Emerge also provides
hearing services to eligible veterans, expanding access to audiology care for individuals who
may otherwise face barriers to receiving services.

"We want Sound of Hope to be about more than one person receiving hearing aids," said Nicole
Stockstill, director of audiology at Emerge. "Our goal is to bring greater awareness to hearing
health, connect people with resources and help individuals take the next step toward better
hearing and greater independence."

The initiative will also provide hearing technology to individuals who demonstrate significant
hearing and financial need, helping remove one of the barriers that can prevent people from
accessing care.

Community organizations, schools and businesses interested in bringing Sound of Hope
hearing screenings or educational resources to their community can contact The Emerge
Center's Audiology team to learn more.

For more information about Sound of Hope and hearing services at The Emerge Center, visit
emergela.org/soundofhope.