Hearing the Call Brazil: What We Saw, What We Learned, and Why It Matters

ByDr. Layne Garrett

November 12, 2025

Every time I return from a humanitarian trip, I come home grateful for the work we get to do here in Utah County. This last visit to Brasília, Brazil was no exception. Our team helped 169 people finally hear the voices, music, and everyday sounds they’d been missing — some for years, some since childhood.

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick guide to what’s below.

Table of Contents

Why We Went

Each year, Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus donates a portion of its revenue to Hearing the Call, a foundation focused on making hearing care accessible for people who otherwise couldn’t afford it. Thanks to our patients and partners, Kim and I had the chance to join the foundation’s international team in Brazil.

We saw the same challenges there that we see here at home: untreated hearing loss isolating people, limiting opportunities, and holding families back — something the CDC notes can have broad developmental and social effects for children and adults.

Highlights From the Trip

  • Fit hearing aids for 169 people
  • Performed hearing tests for children and adults
  • Provided follow-up care for long-term support
  • Worked alongside local clinicians who continue the care after we leave

One moment I’ll never forget: fitting hearing aids on two sisters, ages seven and twelve, who had never clearly heard their mother’s voice. Watching their eyes change when they recognized the sound — that stays with you. Watch their story below:

A Story I Can’t Stop Thinking About

There was a young woman who wanted to become an accountant. She was working hard in school, determined to build a career and support herself. But because of her hearing loss, she faced prejudice, misunderstandings, and constant communication barriers.

When she received her hearing aids, the relief on her face said everything. She told us, with a huge smile, that now she finally felt she had a fair shot — a chance to finish school, get a job, and break out of poverty. It reminded me that hearing care doesn’t just improve communication; it restores dignity, independence, and opportunity.

Another story made me laugh. Señor José (below) came in and told us he is lonely and wanted to be able to talk to the ladies in his town, but they would make fun of him because he couldn’t hear what they were saying to him. He was so excited to hear better and be able to ask the pretty lady next door on a date!

Why This Matters for Utah County

Our humanitarian work isn’t only international. Through Hearing the Call Timpanogos, we help people right here in our community — from American Fork to Spanish Fork — who need hearing treatment but don’t have the means to get it.

Whether it’s a child in Brasília or a neighbor in Orem, the goal is the same: help people reconnect with the sounds and relationships that matter most.

For more details about our ongoing work, you can visit our Hearing the Call Foundation page:
https://utahhearingaids.com/hearing-the-call-foundation/

You can read more about the trip in the Local business provides hearing care in Brazil story in the American Fork Citizen and Lehi Free Press.

How to Get Involved

If you’d like to support these trips or our local scholarship program, there are several ways to make a difference:

And of course, if you or a loved one needs help, you can request an appointment with us anytime:
https://utahhearingaids.com/request-your-free-consultation/

FAQ

How many people received hearing help on the Brazil trip?

We provided hearing treatment, testing, and hearing aids for 169 people.

Does Hearing the Call also help people in Utah?

Yes. Hearing the Call Utah provides hearing care for local residents who can’t afford treatment.

Can donations really make a difference?

Absolutely. Even small contributions help provide hearing aids, testing, and follow-up care for someone in need.

What types of hearing loss did you see in Brazil?

We saw everything from congenital hearing loss in children to age-related loss in adults.

How can I support future trips?

You can donate, share our resources, or visit our Hearing the Call Foundation page to learn more.

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