Bassmaster Elite Series anglers Alton Jones and Alton Jones Jr. have entered into a sponsorship agreement with Minneapolis-based hearing-aid manufacturer Miracle-Ear.
The elder Jones (pictured) had a prior relationship with the company through his work with the Miracle-Ear Foundation, which has donated nearly 13,000 hearing aids to more than 7,500 individuals nationwide since 1990. Adding Alton Jr.’s link to a younger market further strengthens the relationship.
“Miracle-Ear is the leader in our industry and we are excited to work with leaders in their fields as well,” said Miracle-Ear president and CEO Heinz Ruch. “Connecting fathers and sons is something we do every day; and because fishing is a very family-oriented sport, we believe this extends Miracle-Ear’s commitment to connection.”
That message resonates strongly with Alton Sr. who recalls how his own parents’ hearing loss gradually eroded the relationship he had long enjoyed. Conversational frustration eventually minimized communication until Miracle-Ear entered the picture.
“I’m excited to be associated with Miracle-Ear because this is a company that changes lives; and I saw that firsthand even before they were a sponsor,” Alton Sr. said. “Hearing loss can create a barrier to communication between generations, but I was able to see that barrier come down when my parents were fitted with Miracle-Ear hearing aids. That meant the world to me because it changed their lives and greatly improved my communication with my parents.”
Alton Sr. also underwent an exam and found he had mild hearing loss. At age 53, he was fitted with hearing aids – a decision he made as much for his family as for himself.
“I decided to not let the notion of hearing loss create a communication gap between me, my kids and my whole family,” he said.
Alton Jr. agrees and notes that his family’s experience with hearing loss has given him a greater appreciation for conversing with his elders. As he puts it, hearing aids can alleviate generational communication issues.
“When my grandparents got their Miracle-Ear hearing aids, it changed how we communicated; we can have conversations again,” he said. “Thanks to Miracle-Ear I’ll never have to go through that with my dad."
