Carkeet Donna, Pither David, Anderson Margaret
EARS Inc , Melbourne , Australia .
Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2014 Sep;9(5):391-8. doi: 10.3109/17483107.2014.905645.
This paper presents the case study of the project EARS Ind developed in the Dominican Republic (DR) with the purpose of increasing access and affordability of hearing aid technology for the hearing impaired. This case study demonstrates how a program can fit hearing aids to patients with hearing impairments can be developed in low and middle income countries.
The project planning documents and project statistics and reports were reviewed. A questionnaire and follow-up interviews were used to gain a clear understanding of the situation in the EARS Inc. DR hearing aid project.
The case study is presented of the development and services in the DR with a particular focus on the choices made in regard to hearing aid services including manufacturer choices, procurement, distribution, pricing and service delivery. The development of these services included the simultaneous development of a training program, ear mould laboratory, hearing aid repair services, also sales of batteries and accessories as well as the development of calibration services.
The development of comprehensive diagnostic and rehabilitation services requires equipping and training local staff.
A good hearing aid fitting is more than technology--patient education and the clinician fitting the hearing aid are important. Access to follow-up services including battery supplies, hearing aid adjustments and hearing aid repairs is essential to any hearing aid fitting program in low and middle income countries. Check the WHO guidelines for hearing aid provision in developing countries when planning a program. When working in a country co-ordinate with local professional involved in hearing health where available.
本文介绍了在多米尼加共和国开展的“EARS Ind”项目的案例研究，该项目旨在提高听力受损者获得助听器技术的机会并降低其成本。本案例研究展示了如何在低收入和中等收入国家开展一个为听力受损患者适配助听器的项目。
审查了项目规划文件、项目统计数据和报告。通过问卷调查和后续访谈，以清楚了解EARS Inc.在多米尼加共和国的助听器项目情况。
介绍了多米尼加共和国项目的开展和服务情况，特别关注在助听器服务方面所做的选择，包括制造商选择、采购、配送、定价和服务提供。这些服务的开展包括同步开发一个培训项目、耳模实验室、助听器维修服务，以及电池和配件销售，还有校准服务的开发。
全面的诊断和康复服务的开展需要对当地工作人员进行培训并提供设备。
良好的助听器适配不仅仅是技术问题——患者教育以及为患者适配助听器的临床医生都很重要。对于低收入和中等收入国家的任何助听器适配项目来说，获得包括电池供应、助听器调试和助听器维修在内的后续服务至关重要。在规划项目时，查阅世界卫生组织关于发展中国家助听器供应的指南。在一个国家开展工作时，如有可能，与当地从事听力健康工作的专业人员进行协调。
