Starkey foundation screening draws large crowd

March 7, 2018

DPI, GUYANA, Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Approximately five hundred persons turned out to receive free hearing screenings and other audiology services being provided by the Starkey Foundation.

The two-day outreach, which forms part of the first phase of the foundation’s 2018 mission, began in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and continued today at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.

First Lady of Guyana, Ms. Sandra Granger, Minister within Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings taking a walkabout of the Starkey Foundation hearing screening.

In brief remarks, First Lady of Guyana, Mrs. Sandra Granger said she has been with the organisation, at the commencement of its journey in preparation for the various outreaches and described the initiative is an excellent one. She exclaimed, “I know that they (Starkey Foundation) do very thorough and complete tests before the administration of the hearing aid or device.”

Minister within Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings emphasised the importance of the initiative, noting that the foundation has been able to visit the majority of the country except for Region Eight. She is optimistic that soon the residents will be able to access the services offered.

The Minister said, apart from the services provided, the foundation has also been involved in training local doctors and nurses.

International Desk Coordinator at the Ministry of Public Health Denroy Tudor told the Department of Public Information (DPI) in a previous interview that, “for the last three to four years the Starkey Foundation has fitted over 700 Guyanese with hearing aids during its stint with the Ministry of Public Health.” The coordinator noted that the organisation hopes to identify about more 400 to 500 persons for hearing aids in the follow-up mission slated for June.

According to Tudor, it has been recognised that persons need to be educated on the proper care of their ears which includes the reduction of exposure to loud music, preventing intrusion of foreign objects and having regular check-ups.

Starkey was established in 1984. The group has completed missions to Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean region, with the aim to provide audiology services at no cost to beneficiaries.