Hearing for Humanity is a program at Arizona State University. We are a non-profit team of audiologists and audiology doctoral students from ASU who provide humanitarian audiology services in Africa. In the summer of 2010, Hearing for Humanity conducted a five week mission to the countries of Kenya and Malawi. We provided cerumen management, hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings, earmold impressions for permanent earmolds, and fabricated temporary earmolds. We provided direct audiological services and hearing aid fittings to more than 500 children and adults with significant hearing loss. In efforts to promote sustainability, education and hands-on training was provided to teachers, staff, and technicians. This group of local professionals was taught to test hearing aids for proper function, clean ears, test hearing, take ear impressions, make earmolds, and fit hearing aids. Our efforts and the efforts of others have helped to improve the status of hearing health care in these underserved and developing countries.
Hearing for Humanity will return to Malawi in July 2012 to conduct another humanitarian audiology mission. This mission will focus on developing hearing clinics and audiology technician training programs. The need for humanitarian aid is dire. Malawi ranks 219th out of 227 countries in GDP (CIA World Factbook). Resources are limited. Fundamental supplies such as hearing aids, earmold materials, testing equipment, and otoscopes are essentially non-existent. In order to accomplish the goals of our mission, we are in tremendous need of support from you to assist with funding to obtain these needed supplies. Sponsorship is also welcome to help defray the costs of conducting this humanitarian audiology mission.
On March 24th, 2012, Hearing for Humanity is participating as a team for the 5k ATA Walk to Silence Tinnitus. By registering under the Hearing for Humanity team you will be able to directly help support our cause. The ATA has generously offered to donate the funds raised by the Hearing for Humanity team to our work in Africa. You can register for more than one team by simply registering as a virtual walker vs. an actual walker.
Our current fundraising goal is $75,000. To learn more about Hearing for Humanity and to find out information on upcoming fundraising events please visit HearingforHumanity.org.
To make contributions by mail or in person, please write the check to the ASU Foundation, with Hearing for Humanity in the memo section:
Arizona State University
Speech & Hearing Clinic
Attn: Ingrid McBride, Hearing for Humanity
PO Box 870102
Tempe, AZ 85287-0102
All funds will be deposited with the ASU Foundation, a separate nonprofit organization that exists to support ASU. Your payment may be considered a charitable contribution. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of charitable contributions.
Thank you in advance for your generous support of Hearing for Humanity.
Ingrid McBride, Au.D., CCC-A
Clinical Associate Professor
Director of Audiology
Arizona State University
Speech & Hearing Clinic
Ingrid.mcbride@asu.edu
