Personal Stories

PATF Borrower Regains Independence after Sudden Hearing Loss

In 2005 Steven Singer experienced a sudden and profound hearing loss. Life as he knew it changed drastically. Many of his routine daily conveniences became inaccessible to him. He was isolated and lonely. "I could not call people, hear my door, wake up to an alarm - never mind, wake up if there were a fire," says Steven.

Steven applied for a PATF Mini-Loan / Mini-Grant to purchase hearing assistive technology including a flashing doorbell signaler, flashing/vibrating smoke detectors and a vibrating alarm clock. His application was approved; and because Steven met the income guidelines, he was also eligible for a grant that was 50% of the loan amount requested.

Since Steven has purchased his new hearing assistive technology, he is once again able to participate fully in his routine activities. Steven works from home as a tailor, and now he knows when a call comes in or someone is at the door. "I am certainly more independent than I was a few years ago, and life is back to how it was when I could hear," says Steven.

To process his loan, Steven communicated with PATF and the bank via email. He states, "The workers were very good to me by using any type of communication I needed. Most of my purchases this year have been difficult or I have been taken advantage of, but not by PATF."