Local teen receives the gift of sound

Jessica Hudson put her life-changing hearing aids on for the first time today

YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - In a moment that would not have been possible for 16 years, Jessica Hudson's hearing doctor stands behind her and asked a question.

“What did you have for breakfast this morning?”

Jessica immediately responds.

"Waffles," she said.

Jessica is now able to fully understand her doctor speaking from behind her with her "Miracle-Ear" hearing aids.

Having hearing issues since she was two, Jessica said now she’s most looking forward to hearing her friends.

“This way they can talk to me and not say the same things over to me four to five times," she said.

It's also a relief for her mom, Andrea Hudson, who said previously, she was always worried for her daughter’s safety when she leaves the house.

“I just know now when she goes out with her friends, she’ll be able to hear what’s going on and she’ll be safer," Andrea said.

Jessica also is getting her hearing aids right as she is about to start her junior year at Kofa High School.

Saying finally now she can fully hear her teachers, and not feel embarrassed about not missing instructions.

“There’s always the kids who know what they’re doing, and I’m always well I can’t hear anything so why don’t I just figure it out on my own and let everybody get on with the class,” Jessica said.

Best of all, Jessica’s hearing aids are free for her family, thanks to the Miracle Ear Foundation.

Doctor Jen McCumbee said Miracle Ear is able to provide help for someone of all ages struggling with their hearing.

“We’re happy to provide free testing all of the time, and if they need hearing aids but don’t have the resources we then reach out to the foundation and try to get them help as well," McCumbee said.