Hearing Association Gets Funding

Hearing Association Information Initiative Gets Funding

Making it easier to find out about hearing loss and what can be done about it is the rationale behind a new resource developed by the Hearing Association and funded by the Oticon Foundation in New Zealand.

The wraps have been taken off the “Hear Here” information card resource as part of 2009 Deaf Awareness Week which runs from Monday 21 September until Sunday 27 September.

“The resource pack of clear, easy to read information cards “Hear Here” have been put together because the Hearing Association saw a need to have information about hearing loss and hearing care in one place for individuals and community groups,” says Karen Pullar, Secretary to the Oticon Foundation Trustees.

“This is a grassroots community initiative that is already breaking down barriers to hearing loss as the information and the cards are discussed and shared in communities across the country,” she says. “The Oticon Foundation is pleased to be able to back it financially, and with other expertise.”

The cards cover topics including caring for your ears, hearing aids, cochlear implants, tinnitus and funding options.

“The thirty-two Hearing Associations from Auckland to Southland have reported that the cards are filling a gap and helping make it easier for people to connect with issues associated with hearing impairment,” says Ms Pullar.

The resource can be viewed online at http://www.hearing.org.nz/info_cards.php.

The Hear Here cards are one of the Oticon Foundation’s 2009 grants. Others include ongoing funding of the Oticon Foundation Hearing Education Centre at the University of Auckland, research into people’s reactions to being diagnosed as having hearing loss and professional development support for Sign Language Interpreting qualifications.

More information about the 2009 grants can be found at http://www.oticon.org.nz/pdf/Soundscape_Sept_09.pdf.

The Oticon Foundation in New Zealand was established in October 1976. It is a charitable trust of Oticon New Zealand Limited and aims to improve the lives of the hearing impaired in New Zealand through communication and knowledge. It is committed to finding better solutions to hearing loss and strives to increase public awareness and understanding of hearing impairment.

ENDS

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