On May 30th, 2019, the Suleiman Hearing and Educational Foundation (SHEF) conducted a free ear and hearing services outreach in Katsina State, dedicated to supporting the less privileged. Among the many beneficiaries were two individuals with inspiring success stories: an 11-year-old boy who underwent reconstructive hearing surgery and an 84-year-old woman who received a hearing aid. Both cases highlight the life-changing impact of SHEF’s initiatives in empowering individuals across generations with improved hearing and better quality of life.
Success Story 1: The 11-Year-Old Girl’s Journey to Hearing
An 11-year-old girl from a rural community in Katsina, had struggled with severe hearing loss since early childhood. Born with a congenital ear malformation, she faced significant challenges in school and social settings, often feeling isolated and left out due to her inability to hear clearly. Her condition made learning difficult, and she was falling behind academically despite her eagerness to engage with classmates and teachers.
When her family heard about the free hearing services by SHEF, they traveled to attend the outreach. After a thorough assessment, SHEF’s team of specialists recommended reconstructive hearing surgery for her, as this could potentially restore a significant portion of her hearing. Through the collaborative efforts of SHEF’s medical team and supporting partners, she received surgery at no cost to her family.
Post-surgery, Her hearing was significantly improved, allowing her to hear and understand speech for the first time with clarity. For her, this change opened up new opportunities in her education and social life. Her teachers reported increased confidence and engagement in the classroom, and her family expressed deep gratitude, noting how she now actively participates in conversations and plays with friends like never before.
Success Story 2: A New Chapter for an 84-Year-Old Woman
An 84-year-old grandmother, had been living with progressive hearing loss for over a decade. As her hearing declined, she found it increasingly difficult to connect with her family, especially her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. Conversations were challenging, and she often felt isolated during family gatherings, struggling to understand what was being said around her.
When she learned about SHEF’s free ear and hearing care services, she attended the program, hopeful for a solution. Following her evaluation, She was diagnosed with profound age-related hearing loss, for which SHEF provided a hearing aid tailored to her needs. Trained audiologists fitted her with the hearing aid, explaining its operation and maintenance to ensure her comfort and ease of use.
The difference was immediate and transformative. For her, hearing the voices of her family members and the laughter of her grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy. She reconnected with her loved ones, no longer feeling like an outsider in her own home. She expressed heartfelt appreciation to SHEF, saying that the hearing aid had given her a new lease on life, allowing her to participate fully in family interactions and community gatherings.
Impact of the Program:
These success stories exemplify the life-changing impact of SHEF’s free ear and hearing services. By addressing hearing disabilities across age groups, SHEF not only restored hearing but also renewed hope and dignity for both the young and elderly in Katsina State. For the 11 year old girl, a future of educational growth and social inclusion now lies within reach, while for the 84 year old woman, SHEF’s intervention rekindled connections with loved ones and brought back the joy of community.
These stories underscore SHEF’s dedication to improving hearing health and supporting the less privileged, creating lasting change and fostering inclusivity for people of all ages.
