“Hearing impairment serious issue in Samoa”

19 July 2018, 12:00AM

An Australian Audiologist from Warwick recently visited Samoa to help fit free hearing aids for more than 300 people with hearing impairments, the Joondalup Times reports.

A team of five National Hearing Care audiologists, customer service officers and managers volunteered in the three-day ‘Hear for Good’ humanitarian initiative on the island, where there are no qualified audiologists.

 “Hearing impairment is a serious health issue in Samoa,” audiologist Peta Monley said.

“Locals catch 6am ferries and patiently wait all day just to consult with an audiologist.

 “It’s been extremely rewarding to offer support and solutions to those who are hearing impaired and cannot access even a free check.”

Mrs. Monley said it was a powerful experience seeing how hearing aids changed so many people’s lives.

 “I met and treated an amazing 101-year old woman who suffered from severe hearing loss,” she said.

 “It was just incredible to see her face light up the moment she realised she could hear the world again.”

The cleaned and refurbished hearing aids fitted during the trip were donated by National Hearing Care clients across Australia.

Hearing aid donations can be made throughout the year at the Warwick clinic.

19 July 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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