Assistance for the deaf with the supply of free hearing aids.
I have been busy in the past months in trying to find a country or an organization that could possibly consider giving free hearing aids to those in the Solomon Islands that have hearing loss and who might benefit from being fitted with a hearing aid.
Up until this week I had not had any success despite raising my appeal for help with several organizations in the United States known to give free hearing aids to people in developing countries with hearing difficulties.
In the last few days, however, I heard from the Ear Institute in Australia that confirmed the Institute does have a “hearing bank” and does donate hearing aids.
I was told that the fitting and issue of a hearing aid does require a specialist to be involved.
I have promised to get back to the Ear Institute with information as to what the situation is in the Solomon Islands with regard to testing facilities and procedures and whether the MOHMS does have a hearing specialist than could assist in the diagnosis of hearing loss and in the fitting of hearing aids should It be possible to acquire any from Australia.
In the current circumstances of the medical staff of the MOHMS being fully committed with having to contend with measures to safeguard against Covid-19, I dare say it is the reason why I have not had a reply to be able to write back to the Ear Institute.
In the interim, I would please request the Deaf Association in the Solomon Islands to assist me in getting the answers I need.
I can be contacted via the link on my website
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
