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The funding of vital cochlear implants for the deaf was stepped up a notch today, when 94.7 Highveld Stereo and Bidvest launched the Hear for Life Trust. Essentially a funding initiative, the Trust aims to assist those less fortunate with the funding needed to secure cochlear implants. The need for such critical resources was identified during 94.7 Highveld Stereo's popular Christmas Wish feature in December 2001, when it came to light that 13-year-old Che Talbot needed a costly, new receiver for her existing cochlear implant. To date, eight people have benefited from these life-changing implants, funded by the Trust. Four-year-old Matthew Visser was diagnosed as being completely deaf at six months old. After almost two years of referrals, Matthew's family discovered the Hear for Life Trust. Following a thorough assessment, little Matthew was declared a suitable candidate, and received the cochlear implant at two-and-a-half-years old. "It's just amazing!" said Matthew's father, Mike. "We couldn't teach Matthew to talk, because he couldn't hear, but now he can. He talks like mad, all the time. It's just brilliant. We think he'll be ready to attend a mainstream school when he's older." Another little tot who couldn't speak because of her hearing disability was three-year-old Kayla Fourie. Aside from being profoundly deaf, Kayla also suffers from mild cerebral palsy, and because of this couldn't be taught sign language. "A cochlear implant was her only hope," said mom, Cindy. Kayla was operated on in December 2005 and now, nine months later, is steadily progressing. "Because of her cerebral palsy, she's not vocalising yet, but is definitely hearing what we're saying - and listening to what we're saying. We'll have to wait to see the impact of the cerebral palsy on her ability to learn to speak, but she's definitely able to hear us now." Six-year-old Nonhlanhla Maoba was born deaf. She received her cochlear implant three years ago, but like Kayla, is battling to vocalise sounds. "She responded well to the operation, and hears sounds, but is battling to respond to those sounds," said grandmother, Zodwa. "Despite this, she's doing well and now learning sign language. We also hope that in about three years' time, she will be able to attend a normal school." One implant recipient who does attend a mainstream school is teenager Nadine Slabbert. At 18 months old her parents realised she couldn't hear, and so began the long process of trying different types of hearing aids, until eventually even the strongest aid made no difference. In May last year, at 14-years-old, Nadine received her implant. "I just can't believe the improvement," said mom, Naomi. "She's in Grade 9 now and doing wonderfully. We're very proud of her." One of the first adults to benefit from the Trust, 63-year-old Harry Phillips experienced progressive hearing loss over a five-year period. Being a doctor, Harry's hearing loss was devastating, as he was unable to practice anymore. Two weeks after completely losing his hearing in both ears, Harry underwent a cochlear implant. The operation made such a difference, that Harry returned to the medical fraternity as a general practitioner. Following his experience, Harry has also decided to give something back to the deaf community, and has learnt sign language specifically to allow him to communicate with, and help, the deaf. The second adult to enlist the assistance of the Trust was Merle Tait, a 48-year-old piano teacher. With music being Merle's life, her sudden hearing loss following meningitis in August 2005 meant she too was suddenly stripped of doing what she loved. A cochlear implant in January 2006 not only allowed Merle to hear again, but also to return to her true passion: teaching piano. Merle's recovery was so amazing, in fact, that she has since involved herself with an NGO teaching underprivileged children to play music. Fourteen-year-old Bongeka Thwala also contracted meningitis in August 2005. This shy little girl's life was turned upside down when just two days after falling ill, she couldn't hear anything at all. After hearing aids made no difference, the Thwalas turned to the Hear for Life Trust. Here they received the funding they so desperately needed, and on 17 March 2006 , Bongeka received a cochlear implant. The Grade 7 pupil returned to school shortly afterwards and is doing well. 22-year-old student Peter Tsamago sustained a head injury when he was involved in a car accident at eight-years-old. As a result, he suffered from left hemiplegia, where some of the functioning on the left-hand side of his body was affected. Originally doctors thought this had affected his hearing too. Although they're now not sure of that, over a 12-month period Peter eventually lost all hearing and was declared profoundly deaf. But this didn't stop the energetic teen from pursuing his dreams, and after matriculating from Northcliff High School in 2003, Peter landed a bursary to study a BCom in marketing and business information at Damelin. It was here that he met Khali Collins who, after seeing his passion for life, nominated him for a cochlear implant. On 15 June 2006 an overjoyed Peter received the implant, and could hear normally again. "All of these patients lost their hearing at some point. Seeing them get it back through this project is most rewarding," said Terry Volkwyn, Primedia Broadcasting chief executive officer. "You not only change their lives but also the lives of all the people that surround them. Through these operations they are once again able to lead normal, active lives." In December 2005, JSE-listed Bidvest partnered with 94.7, pledging to provide funding to the tune of R1-million a year over five years. The money was assigned to provide cochlear implants for people from historically and financially disadvantaged backgrounds. "Bidvest supports many deserving charities and causes through its corporate social investment programmes," said Bidvest chief executive, Brian Joffe. "These projects focus primarily on the historically disadvantaged as well as on the sustainability of the economic upliftment and social progress in the communities in which we operate. "In the case of the Hear for Life Trust, the funds provided by Bidvest will facilitate approximately six implants each year to deserving people. These implants make a huge difference in recipients' lives, enabling them to live normally and to learn and interact with their peers without the impediment of being unable to hear." In addition to the vital funding provided by Bidvest, the 94.7 Highveld Stereo jocks have also been hard at work raising money. "94.7 Highveld Stereo donated R 1-million to the fund last year and continues to raise money through Darren 'Whackhead' Simpson's CDs, the Rude Awakening's RAW Cruise and many other listener-driven initiatives, which contribute a further R300 000 to the trust per year," explained Volkwyn. "We are very grateful to Bidvest for giving so generously to a most wonderful cause. To give somebody the gift of hearing.and to watch their journey through this process brings tears to my eyes. One has to experience it to really understand the difference it makes. It truly is a miracle!" Cochlear implants differ from hearing aids, which simply amplify sound, in that they actually compensate for damaged or non-working parts of the inner ear. In a fully functioning ear, sound waves are converted into electrical impulses, which are then sent to the brain where they are recognised as different sounds. A cochlear implant works in a similar manner, electronically searching for useful sounds and sending them to the brain. There are certain criteria that need to be met in order for a candidate to be considered for a cochlear implant, and for assistance from the Trust. A full list of the necessary medical and audiological evaluations that must be performed before consideration are available on the Hear for Life Trust website here. To be considered for financial assistance, applicants should have severe to 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; and be prepared to work though the Johannesburg Cochlear Implant Programme for surgery and rehabilitation. Press release archives- click here  |
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