As World Cochlear Implant Day and World Hearing Day approach, Hearo highlights the critical importance of hearing health and the rehabilitation process after receiving a hearing implant.
South Africa (16 February 2025) – With World Cochlear Implant Day and World Hearing Day just around the corner, the importance of rehabilitation for hearing implant recipients takes centre stage.
Hearo, a South African non-profit organisation, is making a significant impact by funding crucial rehabilitation services for individuals with hearing loss.
Recognising the financial burden associated with hearing support
Founded in 2023, Hearo aims to bridge the gap between limited government funding and the critical need for comprehensive rehabilitation services to ensure that all patients have access to the support they need.
While the organisation does not provide rehabilitation services directly, it plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to highly qualified professionals.
“By offering financial assistance, Hearo ensures that patients can benefit from essential services, including device maintenance, replacements, counselling, and neonatal screening,” says Esri Rossouw, a founding member of Hearo.
Critically, they also support tailored speech therapy delivered in a child’s home language, empowering caregivers to nurture listening, speech, and social development. This early intervention helps children thrive academically and socially, unlocking their full potential.
Rossouw adds that the rehabilitation process for hearing implant recipients is multifaceted and varies for each person.
“After surgery, patients have a few weeks to heal before their cochlear implant is switched on by an audiologist.
“The timeline for follow-up visits and adjustments to device settings depends on the patient’s progress as the brain adapts to new sounds. Speech therapy sessions which are crucial for children, are recommended based on the needs of each patient with frequent sessions leading to better results.”
With the cost of a cochlear implant is approximately R250,000, with upgrades needed every 3-5 years costing around R150,000 – the financial burden of hearing implants and rehabilitation can be overwhelming.
Additionally, the annual cost of replacement parts can range from R5,000 to R150,000!
This is where Hearo steps in to provide much-needed financial support, such as funding monthly salaries for therapists in government hospitals and private practices to ensure patients receive essential rehabilitation services.
Touching lives beyond financial aid
Lerato Mothupi, a hearing screener at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, has benefited from Hearo and is a testament to the work the team is undertaking.
“Hearo has been a tremendous support and has helped me grow in my career and assist my family. Thanks to them, I am now equipped to help detect any hearing issues early which is essential for babies’ hearing and speech development. I am grateful for the difference Hearo makes in both my life and the lives of the families we serve,” she says
Working hand-in-hand with various healthcare providers
Hearo’s support also extends to established audiology units in both public and private sectors, particularly those with high patient volumes, ensuring comprehensive care.
They work through patient care teams, including surgeons, audiologists, and therapists, to provide information and support throughout the rehabilitation journey.
Supporting Hearo’s mission
Hearo relies on donations and fund-raising initiatives to carry out its vital work.
Its first fundraiser at the Cape Town Cycle Tour on 9 March invites participants to donate their old bikes for auction or sale to raise funds after the race.
“Supporters can also contribute to one of Hearo’s eight projects on GivenGain helping more people access life-changing hearing care. Additionally, supporters who donate R200 or more will be entered into a lucky draw for a helicopter tour for two in Cape Town worth R7,000,” explains Rossouw.
Visit www.hearo.co.za to learn more about Hearo’s initiatives and how you can support their mission to provide life-changing hearing care.
To make a donation, visit Hearo’s GivenGain page.
Sources: Supplied
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