Making Noise For The Deaf

ha2m

Hundreds of hearing aids that are no longer of any use to their original owners have escaped bins across the UK to be shipped to India.

These hearing aids, useless in the UK, will bring renewed hearing, dignity and independence to India's older people who would otherwise needlessly suffer deafness.

Esther Moorey, who co-ordinates the appeal says:

"Our shops will accept hearing aids throughout the year but the imminent shipment means our stocks are depleted. We need to get more in as soon as possible to be able to respond quickly to more pleas for hearing aids."

Over 30 million people over 65 in India suffer from hearing loss. The number of people suffering age-related hearing loss in India is set to increase significantly due to a growing older population. Trends indicate that the number of people over 65 will escalate from 70 million today to 177 million by 2025.

Glyn Vaughan, an ear specialist who has done charity missions abroad explains the difference donated hearing aids can make:

Hearing Aid"Age related hearing loss can compound damage caused from untreated ear disease, common in developing countries. Often regaining amplified sound is easily achieved with hearing aids. The impact of the aids is immediate and profound. People who thought they were going deaf are suddenly given the gift of renewed hearing."

Help the Aged's international partner HelpAge India will distribute and fit all the hearing aids where they are needed most. Before reaching India, they make a trip to Her Majesty's Prison Erlestoke, Wiltshire. Here a team of inmates have volunteered to be specially trained to clean, test and sort the aids for the HearingAid Appeal.

To meet the ever-growing calls for hearing aids, Help the Aged is appealing for people to donate unwanted aids all year round. If you have any you do not need, they can be sent to:
Hearing Aid Appeal, Help the Aged, Freepost LON13616, London N1 9BR.

For further information about the HearingAid Appeal please call Esther Moorey on the information line 020 7239 2219.

Have your say...

Be the first to leave your comment.

Send To A Friend Send To A Friend

Printer Friendly Printer Friendly

Add Page To Favorites Add Page To Favorites

Back to the top Back to the top

Become a 50connect Member

Green Issues With Michael Wale

Ptarmigan could be in danger

Some British Birds In Danger

Michael Wale talks with an academic who has spent a year and a half identifying which British birds could be endanger in the future.

Spotlight

Meet 50connect's Columnists

From relationship advice to environmental issues; life as an ex-pat living in France and the highs and lows of going back to study; read the latest from our regular contributors.