Hearathon 2019

It is important to identify hearing loss as early as possible. Usually parents realise when it is too late and the damage is irreversible. This impacts the quality of life and the future of children. And all it is takes is a compulsory screening at birth.

The OAE (Otoacoustic Emission) test is used to find out how well the cochlea or inner ear works. It can be performed 24 hours after birth. If a problem is detected, it can be repeated after a month. Usually this test costs between Rs.750-1500. At Sindhi hospital, this test is offered at a subsidized rate of Rs.550. If the problem persists, a BERA test is recommended.

The BERA or ABR (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry/ Auditory Brainstem Response) is an objective neurophysiological method for evaluation of hearing threshold. It is a safe and painless test to see how the auditory nerves and brain respond to sounds. It usually costs between Rs.2500-4000 but at Sindhi hospital, we charge Rs.2500.

Once the issue is identified, then treatment can start immediately and further damage is controlled. The parents and family are also counselled on how to interact and deal with the situation.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have senior citizens suffering from age related hearing loss. This makes it hard to hear doorbells, alarms, warnings and even conversation with family and friends. This can be frustrating, embarrassing and even dangerous. The problem is further complicated because senior citizens refuse to admit it. Increased awareness will give them the comfort that they are not alone.

Treatment largely depends on what has caused the hearing loss. There are a number of devices and aids that can help improve the situation. To find the hearing aid that works best, a person may have to try more than one, with sufficient trial periods for each.

For hearing related issues for both newborns and senior citizens, awareness and financial support is the key to a better life. This is where the Sindhi Youth Associations Ladies Wing (SYALW) aims to make a difference.

The organisation

The SYALW is a charitable body registered in 1979. Donations to the association enjoy 50% exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. Over the last 40 years, our association has grown from strength to strength with the generosity of our donors and the unstinting support and hard work of our members.

You can read more about the fund raising and social welfare initiatives of the Ladies Wing at www. http://syaladieswing.org/.

P.D. Hinduja Sindhi Hospital

The PDHSH is a multi-specialty 100 bed hospital located in the heart of Bangalore city. It is one of only 16 hospitals in the city with the coveted NABH, NABL and ISO-TUV accreditations. Being a not-for-profit organisation, it extends help to needy patients without any discrimination and no one is denied treatment for want of money. Every year, charitable services worth Rs.1 crore are availed by deserving patients. The hospital has state-of-the-art equipment in each of its departments, but care is taken that the rates are kept affordable for the common man.

A fully equipped and manned Audiometry department has been established to screen and treat patients with hearing difficulties. Apart from treating patients admitted there, we are also planning to host camps to raise awareness and to treat the general public.

The Project

Hearing impairment is a rampant problem that hasn’t received the focus it deserves. Our aim is to address this issue and the SYALW has formulated a three-pronged strategy:

1. To raise awareness of the need to screen newborns before they leave the hospital.

2. To offer screening and follow up treatment at a subsidized charge.

3. To provide hearing aids to needy senior citizens at a concessional rate.

The Marathon

As a step towards creating awareness in the general public, the SYALW is organizing a marathon – aptly called “HEAR-ATHON, Lend an ear”.

HEAR-ATHON

Date: 1st September 2019

Location: Central Bangalore

Distances: 5 km & 10 km along with a special 1 km route for senior and differently abled citizens

Target turnout: 1000