The Hear For Life Trust was established some years back by 94.7 out of the Christmas Wish. In December 2005 Bidvest became a partner in the trust, providing much needed financial assistance.

The costs involved in a Cochlea Implant can be prohibitive, and the Trust has been set up to assist in this process. There are certain criteria that need to be met in order for a candidate to be considered for an implant, and for assistance from the Trust.

To be considered for assistance the applicant should:
Have a severe-profound hearing loss with little or no benefit from hearing aids
Live in the 94.7 Highveld Stereo listening area (Joburg and surrounds)
Have no medical aid
Be prepared to work through the Johannesburg Cochlear Implant Programme for surgery and rehabilitation

You have decided to investigate the viability of cochlear implant. Successful cochlear implant use is dependent on full commitment from the family, staff in the educational environment, and the rehabilitation team.

The cochlear implant is a wonderful device for children and adults. A child will be an effective implant user only if the family meets certain criteria. These criteria form part of a worldwide protocol and certain evaluations will be necessary in order to establish your child’s candidacy. You are responsible for financing these evaluations and it is important that you realise that undergoing these evaluations does not ensure that the Johannesburg Cochlear Implant team will accept you or your child as a suitable candidate.

Below is a list of necessary evaluations:

A. Full Audiological evaluation:
1. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) – dependant on age of candidate
2. Otoacoustic emissions – dependent on age of candidate
3. Behavioural Audiometry
4. Tympanometry and acoustic reflexes
5. Hearing Aid Evaluation

Assessment of candidacy is dependent on a six month hearing aid trial, during which time the family is expected to actively promote regular and consistent use of the hearing aids. The cost of hearing aids is for the family’s account. The audiologist will assist the family in arranging rental schemes when appropriate.

B. Consultation with Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon from the JCIP
This consultation is necessary to assess your child’s medical suitability for the implant and arrange for scans.

C. Scans
CAT scans or MRI as required – this will be decided by the ENT, based on his/her assessment.

D. Speech/Language Assessment
It is imperative that your child attends speech therapy on a regular basis. The speech therapist must be prepared to work in consultation with the JCIP therapists.

E. Appropriate Educational Placement
It is essential that all children of school-going age are in a supportive educational environment where, irrespective of the primary communication mode, oral language development is promoted.

F. Social Considerations
The family members need to be able to prove their ability to commit to a rehabilitation programme.

This includes factors such as: -
- Providing a supportive home environment where oral language is promoted.
- The ability to ensure regular attendance at school and speech therapy – this includes factors such as time, cost and transport.
- The ability to maintain a cochlear implant in terms of batteries and spare parts.

You may be required to visit a social worker/psychologist.

PLEASE NOTE: These factors are critical and even if your child meets all medical and audiological requirements, non-compliance with D., E., and F., may result in your child being excluded as a candidate for cochlear implant. Once all the evaluations have been completed, the JCIP team will evaluate you/your child's suitability for implant.

If you meet the above criteria, click here to apply