Houston area man gets gift of hearing before Christmas

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Two days before Christmas, a local man got a priceless gift that will change his life forever. Eyewitness News was there for the special event when David Auer received a gift that was music to his ears.

"To watch the expression on their face is just amazing," said hearing instrument expert Alicia Taravella.

It's a career unlike any other for Alicia Taravella. For the last two years, she's been a part of Miracle Ear Foundation.

"Our primary goal is to make sure anyone that needs to hear gets the help they need," said Taravella.

Today, she began prepping state of the art hearing aids for Auer.

"He wore hearing aids when he was younger had them stolen from him so he's been without them for quite a while now," she said.

David has been living in a muted world mainly communicating through sign language. When he finally arrived for his appointment he was a little shy and feeling under the weather.

After a couple adjustments, David could finally hear. He said he was happy and said thank you. However, it wasn't until he heard some classic rock that the room grew silent and everyone stood by watching David truly enjoy what some may take for granted.

In sign language, he said he could feel the music and he wanted to dance.

"I have lots of patients that come in and we are able to help that way it's a good feeling," said Taravella.