Forum: Seniors encouraged to get tested for age-related decline in hearing
We refer to the Straits Times article “
- by autobot
- Aug. 15, 2024
- Source article
Publisher object (23)
We refer to the Straits Times article “ ” (Aug 11), and Forum letters “ ” (Aug 13) and “ ” (Aug 14). Indeed, the call for greater awareness and help for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community deserves to be heard. The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) served more than 4,500 registered clients in FY2022/2023 with almost 20 per cent (the highest percentage) in the 51- to 60-year-old age group. The number of people with hearing loss in Singapore is expected to increase as our society ages. Based on our experience, early screening, willingness to use the prescribed hearing aids and support from family and friends are critical in ensuring the overall health of the deaf and those who are hard of hearing. We encourage Singaporeans aged 60 years and above to take part in Project Silver Screen, an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Temasek Foundation Cares to help detect age-related decline in seniors’ vision, hearing and oral health. Hearing aids may be costly. However, SADeaf is committed to helping those with hearing difficulties by ensuring that hearing tests and the acquisition of hearing aids are both accessible and affordable. SADeaf provides a full spectrum of hearing care-related services. We offer free hearing tests and consultation for our members. If hearing aids are required, we recommend suitable models which are available for purchase. Clients and members can also get their ear moulds made and purchase batteries and accessories from SADeaf. We also facilitate the application of financial assistance schemes such as the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund, Assistive Technology Fund and Special Assistance Fund. We thank the writers for raising some of the challenges faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. SADeaf will continue our mission of assisting the deaf and hard-of-hearing to achieve a better quality of life and to enable them to integrate and contribute to society.
Senior Speech and Language Therapist/Audiologist
The Singapore Association for the Deaf