Lumbini, in southern Nepal, is the birth place of the Buddha. Our hosts were a quietly existing community and a school established and managed by locals, Moti Lal and his associates, and staff from the Nepal’s Newari peoples Nyingma Monastery. Keshab had previously visited with a German group of NAHOH supporters. One day’s drive in our new jeep from Kathmandu with our volunteer driver “Master” caring for us and the vehicle.
Breakfast was in the Monastery, and then a short drive, or walk when the road was blocked by a broken ox cart to the school, through the villages and into the rice fields. We rigged our newly purchased solar panels to power our camp. Additional power of sorts was also run for us to use in between frequent periods of “load shedding”
Three days, 680 people, including approximately 446 school children, were checked. The kids had the usual assortment of insects, rice, and a “long stick” in their ears. No wonder we insist all the kids have to come to our camp. Obstructions are removed, before amateur attempts at removal cause serious damage to the eardrum and hearing.
Sarita (right) with clients of an Ear Camp
Sarita, who is sponsored by a lady from Oman, Natalie, works at NAHOH with Keshab making ear moulds and other projects.
She has also been extensively trained by a lady from Switzerland, Antje, in audiometry, including ear impression taking.
Sarita teamed with lew, and made the hearing assessment and aid fitting process efficient, such that all who came were able to receive our best care.
Keshab (left) checking ears
Keshab, with the assistance of Moti Lal and the teachers, enrolled, delivered primary ear care and hearing levels screening to everyone.
Free medicines were dispensed appropriately, and those requiring full hearing assessment were referred to Sarita and lew.
“Master” assisted Keshab, when he was not monitoring the car!
And how do we assess the hearing levels of the elderly?
We observe a conversation, or attempt thereof, between our subject and a familiar friend or relative.
Then we estimate the hearing loss, from their body language and ability to interact. The very infrequent non genuine person usually give themselves away at this stage, exaggerating the body language, and are predictably then inconsistent in their responses.
We then introduce the test sound close to their ear, and establish a response pattern that is consistent and reliable. One gentleman would raise his eyebrows above wide eyes for a loud sound, reducing to a squint for the barely detectable. This was usually accompanied by a pinch finger indication. They would point to the ear where the sound was heard, some of the time!
Compared to our initial estimate, the audiogram is usually within 10db at mid frequency range, and the fitting is usually 3 to 6 db below the target for an “experienced” user.
A loud clap tolerance determines the MPO.
Moti Lal will maintain the aids, checking them when they return for batteries. As the villages surround the school, they are not given any spare batteries. A file for each recipient with a photo and fitting details is left with the school, and so follow up can be ensured.
One 40 year old gentleman, Jogendra, sat quietly before us.
His friends said he did not speak, but understood them with signs, lip reading and some hearing. (Corner audiogram left ear and profound (88db 3FAHL) loss in his right). He has a wife and two children, who apparently have not heard him speak. He lost his hearing when he was about 5 yrs old, and refrained from speaking soon after.
He was fitted with a power aid. He began to speak in a loud voice!
His friends and family are amazed!
We rejoice!
Keshab and Sarita will continue with their routine work in Nepal at Kirtipur, and twice weekly at Shechen Clinic and Hospice. They regularly visit poorer communities within 1 ½ hrs drive from Boudha, with the Shechen Medical team. Other sites upon reasonable request are visited.
Yes, the stick came out of the kid’s ear!
Next year our remote camps include villages in the Manang district, and three camps in the centre, west and north of Sikkim. Locals will sponsor our transport, food and accommodation, in accordance with our policies. We will also return to Ladakh.
We will also revisit the leprosy home in Kathmandu and the country village – Lumbini.
The Joys of Giving
The approaching festive season (Christmas and New year) is a time to rejoice in the results of our blessings, and we wish all others the same joy. The inspiration that powers our motivation to be better at our care delivery to others, without fear or discrimination, is rooted in the kindness of those who are our foundation.
We have been blanketed in kindness, both moral and financial.
Some people we have not met face to face! From Moscow, Russia, Andrey and Anastasia have followed our ventures on the web and our newsletters. They offer encouraging sentiments about our program benefits to so many, and regularly send financial support. True kindness from across the planet!
Karuna-Shechen POP Project
Our team has a new project… with Shechen Clinic and Hospice…our part will be to raise money!
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) affects 25% of rural women in Nepal. Marani Devi’ story is typical. The main family provider, but after the birth of her third child the pain is so severe she can no longer work.
Check out: http://karuna-shechen.org/project/pelvic-organ-prolapse-pop/
Tax deductible donations can be made through our website
For more information about karuna-Shechen’s work see their latest newsletter HERE.
HHH Shop Online
We have been bringing goodies back from Nepal for some time, selling them at markets and through a few small outlets to raise money for our programs.
With the update of our website, we have now gone digital!
A range of teas, prayer flags, scarves, cards and soaps are now available to purchase from the website – just in time for Christmas. Goodies can be posted to you or collected from Whitsunday Hearing in Cannonvale.
(Our office will be closed from 19/12/2014 till 5/1/2015 – so please call us
on 07 4946 4906 if you need an order dispatched urgently.)
We aim to expand our range to include singing bowls, ting shas, bells & dorjes and other interesting items in the new year. If you would like to try some of these bells and bowls, drop in to Whitsunday Hearing or contact Katie at The Stillpoint, Maleny.
So check out the goodies at www.himalayanhealthandhearing.org/shop/
Gratitude for another great year, our fifth!…from Sue and lew, and all the team who support us!
May you and all other beings have a healthy, peaceful and happy new year!
More good stuff on Facebook and www.himalayanhealthandhearing.org
