“So The World May Hear.” Starkey Hearing Foundation; raising the profile of hearing

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Turned away time and time again, he was unsure if he would get this job. He had just been fitted with a hearing aid, which was made possible by Starkey Hearing Foundation on March 3^rd, 2020. Imagine his surprise when he got the job. The hearing aid had given him the confidence he needed. He could hear and communicate, showing that he was fit to do whatever he was asked.

The above story is true, and one of many stories that was shared during my interview with Tamiann Young, the Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean division of Starkey Hearing Foundation. Since 1984, Starkey Hearing Foundation has provided free hearing aids in more than 100 countries, and has carried out more than 1.5 million hearing healthcare services globally.

In order to accomplish this, they have trained local partners and health workers in other countries to provide sustainable care for the patients that they serve. These specialists, who play a critical role in eradicating preventable hearing loss, all attend Starkey Hearing Institute. It is why their global advocacy and impact on hearing loss to this day is unmatched.

Since 2017, Starkey has fit more than 2,400 Jamaicans with hearing aids. On, March 2^nd, and 3^rd, in honour of World Hearing Day, 782 Jamaican patients were fitted and provided with after care during a two-day mission in Kingston. The World Health Organization realized that awareness needed to be raised on how to prevent hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.  It is now recognized as World Hearing Day, with the 2020 theme being; Hearing for Life; don’t let hearing loss limit you.

Starkey Hearing Foundation’s mission falls in line with the World Health Organizations theme: to give the gift of hearing to those in need, empowering them to achieve their potential. I had the pleasure of interviewing Tamiann Young, and she shone some light on how Starkey Hearing Foundation is collaborating with governments and health leaders to make healthcare service more accessible for people around the world.

“The Starkey Hearing Foundation family have been in Jamaica since 2017, and have come year after year with missions both here in Kingston, Jamaica and in Montego Bay so that they can reach every single Jamaican who has a desire to hear and are not able to afford a hearing aid. It brings tears to my eyes very often. It means a lot to us.”

(Most Honorable Juliet Holiness)

“What was the day like? How was the energy on March 3^rd?” I asked. “The ceremony was well attended, and the community and our sponsors showed up to show their support.” Tamiann begins, “You can tell that there is an absolute need for hearing healthcare services in Jamaica and the Caribbean region. We continue to receive support from the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, and the wife of the Prime Minister, the most Honourable Juliet Holness,” Tamiann explained enthusiastically.

There is discussion of establishing a technical working group to guide the development of a National Policy for hearing health in Jamaica. If there ever was a time to do it, now is the time. Our organizational support comes from some great people in our community: Dr. Georgia (Audiologist), who assists in diagnosing and treating hearing loss, the University of the West Indies, Guyan Channer representing Kingston Public Hospital, Jamaica Association for the Deaf, and the National Council for Senior Citizens. They let us use their space to store our supplies.”

Tamiann went on to explain the nature of her work, and what is being done for the communities in Jamaica. “We are supplied with a list from partners of patients who cannot afford hearing aids, or after care. Once we have fit them, our patients are provided with all the information, and supplies needed to care for themselves after receiving hearing aids. We stay in contact with our clients, and handle their repairs.”

In true community fashion: Jamaica Public Service, Bob Marley Foundation, Tastee, Wata, Budget Car Rental, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and other distinguished organizations and people have all chipped in to make this possible.  Founded on the vision of William F. Austin, “So the World May Hear,” Starkey Hearing Foundation continues working to bring the gift of hearing to people in Jamaica. Learn more at www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org.