The children, students of the Tabunoc Central School, all had profound hearing losses and had never worn hearing aids previously. Until this time, they had always communicated by signing with their hands and by writing. Since they had never heard their names spoken to them, they first had to be told who they were. After that, through tears and laughter, they began the process of communicating with their teachers, parents and relatives, as well as their friends. Their teachers will now work with them to blend signing and hearing into their routine.

Half of the hearing aids for this even were provided by Unitron Hearing Instruments in Minneapolis. Their help was essential to this endeavor. The remaining hearing aids came from inventory and through donations by patients of Affordable Hearing Solutions. Extra hearing aids were left with the school for other deaf children. All travel related expenses are paid for by Richard & Ninfa Manuel.

We were assisted with organization and delivery of the hearing aids by members of the Tallisay chapter of Quota International, a service organization that provides help to deaf and hard-of-hearing children, as well as other children in need in many countries.

If you would like to help this cause, please contact us at (614) 449-0022.