It is amazing what can be achieved when companies work together. We are changing lives with this initiative.
Tembisa, South Africa (13 March 2020) – Sibongile’s world became very isolated when her hearing aids broke in 2013, and she could not afford to have them repaired or replaced. She is part of the large population world-wide that has significant hearing loss, the majority taking an average of seven years to seek and get help due to the lack of funds.
Another alarming fact is that in South Africa, one in twelve children cannot hear their teacher properly in the classroom due to various hearing problems, most of which are primary healthcare-related. There are very few practising audiologists available for 59 million people in South Africa. This shortage of audiological specialists is not only a South African issue but a global one.
In an initiative formed between medical technology company eMoyo, Rotary Kyalami and a USA audiology cooperative, Entheos (hearing the call), they aim to help to overcome the silent epidemic. They provided world-class audiology services to the people of Tembisa and surrounding areas when the trio set up a temporary clinic in the area recently. Using eMoyo’s boothless audiometer, the KUDUwave™, 174 patients had their hearing tested free of charge by some of the best audiologists in the world. Patients were then identified that were suitable to receive hearing aids, and through a generous donation of hearing aids by Entheos, 48 people were given the gift of hearing, with one of them being Sibongile. Her world is now wide open as she can hear again!
Jillian Scotland COO of eMoyo said “We are delighted to be partnering with Entheos and Rotary to bring hearing to the people of South Africa. It is amazing what can be achieved when companies work together. We are changing lives with this initiative.”
In a further humanitarian outreach, eMoyo worked with Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels to fit a further seven people with hearing aids, that was generously donated to eMoyo by Entheos. This saw people from all walks of life and ages having their hearing improved – they also no longer live in a silent world.
Founder of Entheos Nora Stewart said, “Entheos is honoured to partner with eMoyo to help children and adults by screening and treating their hearing. Over the past two years, we have screened thousands of children and seen hundreds of people, many of whom now hear better after receiving treatment. The Entheos team has enjoyed working in the beautiful country of South Africa, but even more beautiful than the country is the spirit of the people.”
According to the World Health Organization, more than 360 million people worldwide have a disabling hearing loss. Millions go without basic hearing healthcare which impacts their lives. If an adult cannot hear, they tend to withdraw, potentially suffer from depression and disconnect from their community. For children, it is even more important. If a child cannot hear, it impedes their ability to communicate and learn. Children cannot go to school, make friends or have basic interaction. In many places throughout the world, this severely limits their future potential.
On the recent life-changing outreach in Tembisa, Rotary Kyalami president Rita Millan said “We are honoured to be part of this amazing initiative which changes people’s lives so dramatically for the better. Our own lives have been changed in seeing such joy from people who are so appreciative of a gift most of us take for granted.”
This is the fifth visit to South Africa by Entheos. The partnership to date has resulted in 148 people receiving hearing and 1889 being tested and wax removed, which is as good as having a hearing aid fitted if wax blocked the ears.
If you would like to contribute to eMoyo’s Foundation and change a life, contact Jillian Scotland at eMoyo (+27 87 231 0132) jillian@emoyo.net or alternatively donate to hearing the call.
It is up to all South Africans to support each other.