Hear Us was founded so that people from disadvantaged backgrounds get a chance to hear for the first time, thanks to cochlear implant donations.
South Africa (18 February 2022) – Hear Us is the Cochlear Implant Association of South Africa. It was founded in 2001 and supports deaf people from disadvantaged backgrounds to obtain cochlear implants and support the hearing impaired and their families to realise their full potential in the hearing world.
Hear Us was established by parents of deaf children who already had cochlear implants. They wanted to make a difference for children and adults who have no means to cover the expensive surgeries or maintenance of hearing aids.
Money raised by the organisation is allocated in two ways: to financially assist deaf adults and children who are candidates for cochlear implantation with the costs of the cochlear implant hardware, and/or, to financially assist the Tygerberg Hospital Stellenbosch University Cochlear Implant Unit with operating costs.
For any patients, professionals, families, or interested parties wanting information about cochlear implantation and the functioning of Hear Us and the Cochlear Implant Unit, you can reach the organisation via the website here.
They have many success stories that warm the heart. For example, Jacques, who was deaf since childhood, got a cochlear implant in 2018.
“In 2018 I received the cochlear implant and it changed my life. My boss can now contact me on the phone when I am out of the office, making life easier for both of us. I can now hear when people talk to me. I would recommend the cochlear implant to anyone who is hard of hearing, as it will really change your life.”
Khayone’s parents were over the moon when she got her cochlear implant. She is now learning to speak English and her home language of isiXhosa.
“The cochlear implant has changed my child’s life! She can now say many sentences and is making good progress. I believe one day my daughter will speak both English and Xhosa. Without the help of the cochlear implant this would not have been possible. It was the best decision we could make!”
There are many ways to get involved, you can select Hear Us as a beneficiary on your MySchool card, or you can donate directly to the organisation.