Idaho Sisters Help Those With Hearing Aids Gain Confidence

Hearing loss doesn’t discriminate between age and gender. It affects who it wants when it wants. Some people might be older when they experience the loss of hearing, while others may be born that way. For two Boise, Idaho girls, they’re taking their hearing loss at such a young age and using it for the greater good.

Gretta and Eliza For are sisters looking for ways to show the world that hearing loss and hearing aids aren’t so bad. One out of every eight people in the United States aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears. The For sisters are among those who know exactly what it’s like to deal with the disability on a daily basis.

Their whole movement to make people feel better about their hearing aids started when Gretta wanted to get her ears pierced. Unfortunately, since Gretta had a hearing aid, her doctor told her she wouldn’t be able to have it done until she was older. Gretta didn’t like being told “no,” so she decided to find a way to make the best of the situation.

According to KIVI-TV, Gretta’s mom had told her about charms that can be placed on the hearing aid tubes and actually look like earrings. The family looked online to see where they could purchase a pair, but found out they were too expensive. Gretta became discouraged but then decided to create some of her own.

Gretta spoke with KIVI about her creations.

“I think I made thirty in three weeks I wanted them so bad,” explained Gretta.

By doing this, Gretta instantly became an advocate for people with hearing aids and inspired people all around the world. She even reached a girl in London who was struggling with her own self-confidence. Gretta heard about the girl and sent her a pair of the earrings, along with a note of inspiration.

Gretta says she was used to feeling bad about herself while wearing the hearing aids. She said that she had been bullied in school and kids constantly made fun of her for her disability. When her sister Eliza found out that she too would need hearing aids, Gretta took it upon herself to make sure Eliza didn’t feel as bad as she once did. After seeing all that her sister had done to make hearing loss a positive thing, she was actually excited to get her hearing aids.

The sisters created a YouTube channel where they talk about their disability, their struggles, and many other things. It’s just another way to help others!