Our Mission

Our mission is to empower children in need through comprehensive audiological support and beyond. We are dedicated to enhancing the lives of young individuals by providing access to essential hearing healthcare, educational resources, and holistic support services. Leveraging our audiological expertise and compassionate approach, we strive to create a world where every child can thrive regardless of their hearing abilities or socio-economic background.

Our History

For over 35 years, Dr. Julie Prutsman has been inspired by her family’s dedication to audiology. Her Uncle Bill, Aunt Alice, and mother Karen were all devoted to helping people with hearing loss. The family’s involvement in audiology began with Dr. Julie’s grandfather, George E. Herholtz, who entered the profession in 1952.
 
Continuing this legacy, Dr. Julie worked with her parents for 12 years before founding the Sound Relief Tinnitus & Hearing Center, which she has led for 13 years. Recognizing the ongoing need for specialized support, Dr. Julie established the Sound Relief Project to help preteens and young adults manage hearing loss and tinnitus.

Donate

When you donate you empower children in need through comprehensive audiological support and beyond

Did you know?

Even mild hearing loss can cause a child to miss 50% of classroom instruction (Hearing Loss Association of America).

The college dropout rate for students with hearing impairments is 71%.

Tinnitus affects 25% to 65% of children with hearing loss, causing difficulties such as reduced focus and challenges hearing in background noise.

Project #1: Denver-Metro Area

WHO: We will identify children in need within the Denver-Metro area whose families have commercial insurance with exclusions for hearing aid coverage or cannot afford new hearing aids.

WHY: Many parents mistakenly believe one pair of hearing aids should last their child over ten years. This misconception leads to underutilization due to poor performance and outdated technology. Education on the importance of full-time use of hearing devices and annual prescription updates will be a key focus.

WHAT: We are committed to providing students with new hearing technology, including initial fittings and follow-up visits, at no charge. This is our way of removing financial barriers and ensuring that every child has access to the best possible hearing care.

HOW: We will collaborate with educational audiologists in schools and implement an application process to identify students for The Sound Relief Project and ensure we qualify appropriate candidates.

Our Board

Julie Prutsman, Au.D.

Chairperson

Jennifer Torres, Au.D.

Vice Chairperson

Amy Reel

Treasurer

Justin Vaughn

Secretary

Patrick Prutsman

Board Member

Future Projects

While our initial focus is on the Denver-Metro area, we aim to create a replicable protocol for other regions, including Phoenix, Arizona. Eventually, we aim to extend our services internationally to areas where children need audiology services to learn and thrive.

With generous donations from private donors, support from hearing aid manufacturers, and volunteers from the Sound Relief Tinnitus and Hearing Center, our goal is to provide hearing devices and tinnitus support to pre-qualified children and young adults aged 12 to 22.

Help us reach our goals by donating today—every dollar helps a child in need!