Project description

Hearing loss in old age and in youth is a global problem. While access to audiologists and hearing aids is possible at any time in Germany, it is a major hurdle in Uganda: audiologists exist only in the big cities, and the patient must bear all the costs — unaffordable for a population living in poverty.

In cooperation with David Stefanczyk, head of the Hörstube in Saarburg, and with the support of the Lions Club Saarburg Apwoyo e. V. has taken on this challenge.

Project status

In The Ngora health centre a new hearing studio opened, which is unique in the country is.

„People came from near and far and some slept outdoors for three days and three nights just to be treated by me. I gladly provided all my services free of charge“ — David Stefanczyk.

Project background

As a farewell and thanks for his outstanding work, David was given a live chicken by the district chairman of Ngora. Hence the name this project carries with us: A hearing studio for a chicken.

Implementation

A local doctor was trained in hearing tests, taking impressions, ear cleaning and maintaining hearing aids. Through a purpose-built digital system, ear scans and hearing tests reach Germany; there, suitable devices are selected and adjusted, ear moulds made, and everything sent to Uganda or brought along on the annual visits.

The project is designed for lasting provision, not one-off aid.

Get involved & support

Donate old hearing aids: Used devices can be dropped off at the Hörstube Saarburg, Heckingstraße 12–14. They are cleaned and repaired there free of charge and sent to their new purpose in Uganda.

More about the project: die-hoerstube.de/uganda

Acknowledgements

Our thanks go to David Stefanczyk and the Hörstube Saarburg, and to the Lions Club Saarburg, without whom this project would not have been possible.