BUCYRUS–A Galion woman is a winner in a national campaign put on by Symphonic Hearing Aid Center, other hearing professionals, and a manufacturer of hearing aids.

Julia Mitchell, a patient of Symphonic Hearing Aid Center, was chosen by ReSound to receive a free set of their hearing aids through the company’s second annual “Gift of Hearing Campaign.”

Audiologist Sonya Keller said the program provides up to $1 million in hearing aids and services to people around the country who are struggling with hearing loss and can not afford professional care and treatment.

“She’s super positive and has had health issues, but she’s super grateful for what she has,” said Keller, who owns the clinic at 1008 S. Sandusky Ave. “There’s a lot of people in need nowadays, especially those most impacted by the pandemic.”

Keller said Mitchell’s ReSound ONE hearing aids are already on the way. Once they arrive, she will schedule an appointment for Mitchell to have them fitted, waiving that fee as well as any follow-up care she may need.

Keller said Mitchell has severe hearing loss in both ears and has been wearing a hearing aid she picked up at a garage sale with a makeshift ear mold. She was one of 20 area residents nominated for the program before the Feb. 14 deadline.

Symphonic Hearing, Keller said, also can fit patients for reconditioned hearing aids at a lower cost.

As an added benefit, she said, the longtime clinic accepts Medicaid and has access to discounted pricing for some services.