Disability and rehabilitation. Assistive technology · 2014
Service, training and outreach--the EARS Inc. Model for a self sustainable hearing program in action.
СтатьяНазвание и аннотация: Перевод в очереди
Обработка статьи · этапы, ошибки и управление
Загрузка состояния…
Ошибки и ограничения
История · было → стало
Состояние обновляется каждые 5 секунд, пока блок открыт. Процент показывается только там, где известен объём работы. Пауза останавливает продолжение этапа; текущий запрос к источнику может завершиться.
Carkeet Donna, Pither David, Anderson Margaret
Аннотация
PURPOSE: EARS Inc. is a faith based not-for-profit organization established in 1998. As an organization, it has consistently maintained a goal to provide both short-term and long-term projects in low and middle income countries. One specific project undertaken by EARS Inc involved developing a hearing health program in the Dominican Republic.
METHODS: This article is a review of the challenges and successes encountered on the road to establishing improved access and affordability of hearing aid technology for the hearing impaired in Domincan Republic.
RESULTS: Despite the challenges, after 12 years of local programming, the hearing health services in the Dominican Republic were successfully implemented. The development of these services included the simultaneous development of a training program, earmould laboratory, hearing aid repair services as well as calibration services and sales of batteries and accessories.
CONCLUSIONS: As demonstrated in this review, it is possible to develop sustainable and comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitation hearing services in a developing country. It is clear that training, equipping and empowering local staffs are instrumental to the success of the program.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: A good hearing aid fitting is more than supplying technology. Patient education and the clinician fitting the hearing aid are important. Access to follow-up services including battery supplies, hearing aid adjustments and hearing aid repairs is essential for a hearing aid fitting program in low and middle income countries to be sustainable. Check the WHO guidelines for hearing aid provision in developing countries when planning a program. When working in a country, co-ordinate with local professionals involved in hearing health where available.
METHODS: This article is a review of the challenges and successes encountered on the road to establishing improved access and affordability of hearing aid technology for the hearing impaired in Domincan Republic.
RESULTS: Despite the challenges, after 12 years of local programming, the hearing health services in the Dominican Republic were successfully implemented. The development of these services included the simultaneous development of a training program, earmould laboratory, hearing aid repair services as well as calibration services and sales of batteries and accessories.
CONCLUSIONS: As demonstrated in this review, it is possible to develop sustainable and comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitation hearing services in a developing country. It is clear that training, equipping and empowering local staffs are instrumental to the success of the program.
IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: A good hearing aid fitting is more than supplying technology. Patient education and the clinician fitting the hearing aid are important. Access to follow-up services including battery supplies, hearing aid adjustments and hearing aid repairs is essential for a hearing aid fitting program in low and middle income countries to be sustainable. Check the WHO guidelines for hearing aid provision in developing countries when planning a program. When working in a country, co-ordinate with local professionals involved in hearing health where available.