Waiting to Hear exists for a single reason: To help deaf kids HEAR! We accomplish this by providing programs that support a listening and spoken language outcome for children with hearing loss. Our programs focus on timely access to hearing technology, support for newly diagnosed families, and building a support network to aid families throughout their child’s hearing journey.
Shannon and Sherry Ball founded Waiting to Hear in 2014 after their daughter Sarah suddenly lost her hearing at age two. At the time resources for deaf children in the Appalachian Highlands were practically non-existent. Thankfully just a few days after Sarah was diagnosed, they met a family with a little girl who had recently received cochlear implants. Over the next few months this family guided them through the process that would eventually lead Sarah back to a world of sound. The Balls felt so blessed by this family’s help that they wanted to do the same for other newly diagnosed families. Waiting to Hear was born. Both Shannon and Sherry remain very involved. Shannon currently serves as our Executive Director and Sherry as our Chief Operating Officer.