Meet Violène: Trained in Haiti by TCHH

This is blog 2 of a 4 part blog series by the Hearing and Communication Team.

Please click here for blog 1, blog 3 and blog 4 of this series

The hearing and communication project is proud to present to you another Haitian nurse who is currently training as an audiometry and hearing aid technician: Violène Simon.

Violène works permanently as a nurse at the ORLO medical clinic in Port-au-Prince.  Through our training program, she has been trained, among other things, to make ear molds and to counsel the patients to help them adapt to their new hearing aid.  In order to complete her training,  she needs to successfully complete both her theoretical and practical exams.

In 2011, two training programs were created, namely training for audiometric technicians and training for hearing aid technicians (hearing aid fitting, programming and repairs).

An enormous amount of work was invested in the creation of theoretical training manuals by our members Christine Turgeon, audiologist, for the audiometry training manual as well as Marylin Rancourt-Emond-Emond and Francis Garnier, audioprosthetists, for the hearing aid training manual. Training is offered to individuals chosen by our local partners.

The training begins with theoretical courses which are offered during our missions on site. After completion of the course, an exam is administered to ensure that a solid theoretical foundation is acquired prior to the practical training. Practical training under the direct supervision of volunteer audiologists and audioprosthetists is then offered.

After a sufficient number of hours of supervised practice, students are assessed with a practical exam. If the exam is successfully completed, a training certificate is issued.  In general, a minimum period of two years is required for the completion of the training. We are pleased to say that the majority of students who have completed the training continue to work in the field in Port-au-Prince.

Violène is a motivated student who learns quickly. She is patient and caring with people.

Her skills are widely recognized and appreciated by both medical staff and the patients she assesses and fits. Her contribution to the well-being of Haitians who suffer from hearing problems is invaluable.