Community Need: Many children and adults in rural Guatemala suffer from untreated hearing loss. Hearing loss due to heredity, disease and aging affect thousands of people in the lxil region if Guatemala centered in the community of Nebaj. Many children experience chronic ear infection which leads to permanent hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss in children leads to educational difficulties and limitations on earning opportunities in adulthood, untreated hearing loss in adults results in confused communication, withdrawal from activities and family, limited job opportunities, greater risk of balance and medical problems.
Project Description: 1. Training for two part time audiometric technicians. The technicians are Special Education teachers and have received some previous training in hearing evaluations from Dr. Gene Bukowski and Dr. Mike Mallahan, Rotarian. 2. purchase of a tympanometer for evaluation of the eardrum and middle ear air pressure (tests for ear infection)($2900.00). Purchase of supplies and hearing aids from International Humanitarian Hearing Aid Purchasing Program. ($2100.00) 3. A clinic will be held for 5-8 days to evaluate hearing and fit hearing aids on children and adults.
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