Hearing project is music to children’s ears
On March 23, the Gift of the Givers team tested learners from Spearman Road Primary School in Berea – part of the 15 860 who are being tested during the project. Ameer says this project began during the first school term of 2023 and to date has tested 1 225 learners at four schools.
THE Gift of the Givers Foundation has teamed up with Bonitas Medical Fund to work with them on their Audiology Project that tests for hearing loss and hearing difficulties in children.
The project specifically targets underprivileged schools where Gift of the Givers team members visited to test the hearing of thousands of children across KwaZulu-Natal. To commemorate World Hearing Day that fell on March 3 and to highlight the great work the two organisations have done at Spearman Primary School, Bonitas and Gift of the Givers hosted an event, highlighting the aims of their collaboration.
The programme included an audiology demonstration, where children, teachers and attendees could get their hearing tested and learn more about why this project is essential for children in South Africa.
Taskeen Ameer, an audiologist from Gift of the Givers, said that this project is important because hearing is the foundation for speech and language development as well as learning and communication. “The long-term impact of losing one of the key senses has a major impact on quality of life,” said Ameer.
“According to the South African National Deaf Association (SANDA), children should have their hearing tested several times during their schooling: When they enter school, at ages six, eight and 10 and at least once during grades 8 or 9 and grades 10 and 12,” said the audiologist.
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Ameer said that this is why Bonitas Medical Fund decided to partner with The Gift of the Givers Foundation to support its Audiology Programme, which has been running since 2019. “To date, around 13 727 learners have been assessed, many of whom received treatment when necessary. This partnership will test learners from Grade R to Grade 12, over a period of 10 months during 2023, at schools in six areas within KZN,” said Ameer.
On March 23, the Gift of the Givers team tested learners from Spearman Road Primary School in Berea – part of the 15 860 who are being tested during the project. Ameer says this project began during the first school term of 2023 and to date has tested 1 225 learners at four schools.
A South African manufactured audiometer, called the Kuduwave, is being used for the project. “The Kuduwave combines a headset, audiometer and sound booth into a single, lightweight device, which can be used in just about any location. This also mean the audiology team can test learners at school,” said Ameer.
Ameer says that the programme is overseen by an ear, nose and throat surgeon as well as an audiologist and speech therapist. “If the learners fails the screening test, a full diagnostic test is undertaken. This project not only covers the screening but goes a step further and offers an aftercare element. This includes follow-up medical treatment, if required, to ensure learners receive the assistance they need so that their development is not delayed,” said Ameer.
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The audiologist says that children with hearing loss are often misdiagnosed as suffering from learning disabilities, ADHD or even autism spectrum disorder. “They often present with poor school performance and poor attention as well as speech and language difficulties,” she said.
Ameer says that the two organisations are delighted with the success of the project during Term One and look forward to the continued diagnosis of hearing difficulties and assistance to learners offered by the programme.
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