MOH records 4091 persons receiving free hearing aids since 2021

…to provide soundproof booths this year

While supporting hearing-impaired individuals in Guyana, the Health Ministry has distributed 4,091 hearing aids to persons across the country and has taken the initiative to open the first session for a support group for first-time hearing aid users at his ministry’s headquarters at Brickdam in Georgetown.

This impressive accomplishment was revealed by Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, who shared the details during the launch of a hearing-imparied support group on Friday.
“When we made hearing aids free from 2021, we were able to assist about 563 patients that year. Then, in 2022, we increased that number to 1,022 persons benefiting. In 2023, we helped an additional 850 people. Last year, we saw our biggest increase, helping 1,586 people,” Dr. Anthony said.

He continued, “So, in total, from 2021 to 2024, we have assisted 4,091 individuals by providing them with hearing aids, all free of charge. This is a significant improvement.”
Before 2021, Dr. Anthony explained, people who needed hearing aids had to pay for them.
He also noted one of the common problems with hearing aids was the need to replace the batteries every two weeks.
However, he revealed that there have been improvements.
“We have since changed the type of hearing aid we use. The new hearing aids come with a little charging box, so you can place the hearing aid in the box, and it charges. You no longer need to change the batteries repeatedly. I believe this will solve a lot of problems and help our patients lead a better quality of life. When you’re not using it, you simply put it in the box to recharge.”
Meanwhile one of the remarkable initiatives Dr. Anthony highlighted was the introduction of soundproof booths for hearing tests.
“One way to test hearing is to use a soundproof booth. We’ve been acquiring them and placing them in the regions. This year, we plan to add four more booths in Regions 10, 6, 2, and one other region. These booths will be permanent facilities where people can go for hearing tests. This is a significant step in improving access to hearing services across the country.”
Dr. Anthony also emphasized that hearing impairments are not just a concern for older people but can affect individuals of all ages.
He mentioned that when the ministry began introducing the hearing programs and decentralizing services, they realized that younger people also experience hearing impairments. However, they often don’t recognize the problem unless they are screened.
“We also recognize that as people age, they will face hearing challenges. To address this, the ministry is in the process of setting up a department that specializes in gerontology. This department will focus on the changes that occur in the body as we age, with the appropriate specialists to treat those affected,” he explained.
Dr. Anthony added that they are working to decentralize hearing services, so they’re not limited to Georgetown. He explained that Doctors are currently training people in the regions to offer these services locally.
However, to make this a reality, the necessary equipment must be made available in the regions.