They’re hear to help
A team of audiologists has been going from town to town on the West Rand, improving the lives of the less fortunate elderly.
The call for ear health at Friendship Haven old age home has not fallen on deaf ears.
Kind2Hearing audiologists have taken the old age home under their wing as well as various other old age homes and doctors’ rooms in town.
Those elderly in Randfontein with hearing impairments have been tested and given hearing aids free of charge.
Marike van der Merwe, Kind2Hearing mobile practice audiologist said they received hearing aids from a manufacturer in Denmark two years ago. The condition for the donation was that it was to be distributed free of charge to those in need. Ever since the donation, a team has been going from town to town on the West Rand, improving the lives of the less fortunate elderly.
The team does follow-ups with the elderly as well to make sure they know exactly how to use the hearing aids and to iron out any problems they might encounter.
When the Herald paid a visit to Friendship Haven during one such follow-up session, two residents’ hearing aids were re-calibrated.
Jan Roux, one of the recipients, jokingly said since he has been wearing his hearing aid, he cannot use his hearing impairment as an excuse not to do what he is asked.
Marie Strydom, the other recipients, said she loves going to church services at Friendship Haven but could never hear what the pastor was saying. Now she doesn’t have to attempt to read lips.
Marike said Marie is completely deaf in one ear after years of not diagnosing the problem, but now she is doing everything in her power to save the other ear.
She added that residents should get their hearing tested at least once a year to prevent damage. She said most people don’t realise when they have a problem because their brain adapt to the impairment, which is why it is essential to be tested annually.
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