Audiometry and Hearing Aid Certification in Haiti with a TCHH created Program
This is blog 3 of a 4 part blog series by the Hearing and Communication Team
Please click here for blog 1, blog 2 and blog 4 of this series
In order to tell you about our project and its real impact on the Haitian community, the hearing and communication project of Team Canada Healing Hands is proud to present our training program in audiometry and hearing aids.
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 people chosen by our local partners.
The training begins with theoretical courses which are offered during our missions on site. Theoretical learning is deepened between missions, thanks to the training manuals. More than one person is trained at a time, in order to maximize the efficiency of our trips and encourage mutual aid.
After completion of the courses, a theory 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 undertaken.
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 proud to report that to date, five audiometric technicians have successfully completed the theoretical and practical training, three of which have also completed the hearing aid training. They are currently working at two clinical sites in Port-au-Prince, at the Haitian State University Hospital and at the ORLO Clinic.
The cost and value of this training program is invaluable. An enormous amount of work has been put into the development of the manuals, not to mention all the trips to Haiti by a very large number of professional volunteers.
The permanent presence of personnel qualified in audiometry and hearing aids ensures that the hearing and communication project of TCHH has a lasting impact on the hearing health of Haitians. This is a great source of pride for us.
In addition, during our missions, the participation of technicians allows us to work efficiently. Among other things, they are trained to assist us in the assessment of very young children, a service that is unique in Haiti.
Our main partner, the ORLO foundation, is counting on us to continue training staff in audiometry and hearing aids as the needs for these services are growing. To this end, our next publication will allow you to learn more about the ORLO foundation and their new premises which will house the new permanent audiology and hearing aid clinic.