The Hearing and Speech Foundation’s mission work in Jamaica is conducted in two phases. Phase one starts with counseling the children, teachers and house-parents on the care and use of the hearing aids. In-service training is provided on a limited basis to the teachers and staff of the importance of auditory training and the positive impact of being able to hear. In addition, earmold impressions are made for patients, with newly enrolled students receiving first priority. Patients who have previously been treated by HSF will receive new earmolds (needed as children grow, like shoes and clothes) and lost or damaged hearing aids replaced according to availability.

Upon return to the United States, HSF audiologists send ear impressions to Weston Laboratories where they will be used to make the earmolds. The hearing aids in need of repair are sent to OMNI, Widex, Phonak or Starkey Corporations for repair. New hearing aid orders are placed with Widex Corporation and the Phonak Corporation. All of the companies involved in this project provide their services and products at a reduced rate to HSF.

Phase two of the mission work begins when audiologists return and match up earmolds with the appropriate child and fit the patients with the repaired or new hearing aids. More training occurs with the teachers and school nurse about proper care and use of the aids. A supply of batteries is provided to the school and issued to children as needed. The school nurse is also trained to troubleshoot for problems associated with the lack of proper cleaning of hearing aids.

HSF provided services to all four campuses associated with the CCCD. The Knockpatrick campus, located in the south central portion of the island, currently serves over 135 deaf students. The Montego Bay campus serves 52 students and the Kingston Campus reaches 74 deaf children in the capital of Jamaica. After 12 years at school, most CCCD graduates go to the Jamaica Deaf Village where there is a church, housing and consistent employment.

How your community can help HSF and CCCD
The growth in the success rate of patients fitted with hearing aids at the CCCD has steadily risen over the last five years. This increase is due to several factors. For one, CCCD student enrollment has flourished. HSF has incorporated and treats patients at all four campuses; and HSF audiologists have expanded services and care to the staff of all CCCD campuses, as well as students.

Equipment needs include an audiometer, tympanometer, tools for making and modifying earmold impressions and tools for fitting hearing aids. Supplies needed include impressions material for earmolds, hearing aids and batteries. Additional costs associated with this mission trip include the repair of hearing aids.

The program’s growth and success is heartening, but comes with increasing costs. HSF needs the support of the local community to continue providing the gift of sound to the children and staff of the Caribbean Christian Center for the Deaf.

For more information about how YOU can help give the gift of sound, contact HSF by email or by phone at (865) 977.0981.