In the coming days, residents from various localities will participate in a pilot project where they will be given a free hearing test with the aim of early identification of hearing problems.
This project will be led by the Association of Maltese Audiologists with a sample of about 500 tests, and will be carried out on the initiative of the Ministry for Inclusion and Quality of Life together with MEP Alex Agius Saliba.
At a news conference during the launch of the pilot project, the Minister for Inclusion and Quality of Life Julia Farrugia Portelli mentioned how about 1.4% of the Maltese population has a hearing problem at various levels. She explained how this initiative is linked to the ‘Hearing Care for All’ campaign – the theme chosen for this year by the World Health Organization.
Minister Farrugia Portelli explained that after an information leaflet was sent about this project in several villages, the public interest was strong, so much so that after a few days, the sessions were already full. That is why arrangements have been made to add two more sessions to be held in late September and details of which will be announced later.
The minister spoke about the government’s ongoing work in this area, among other things with the establishment of a new audiology department at Mater Dei Hospital and the start of the Cochlear Implant Program.
“As the Ministry for Inclusion and Quality of Life, we are also contributing to the design of the National Child Screening Strategy, so that in the event of hearing problems, they can be identified by -as soon as possible “, said Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli.
Member of the European Parliament Alex Agius Saliba stressed that through this pilot project we are beginning to see that in our country we continue to raise awareness about the need to do more regular tests even when it comes to hearing in order to stay we see to it that we have a healthy life.
Dr Agius Saliba stressed that this project is one of a series of initiatives that he is working on also on a European basis as President of the European Union Hearing Health Forum. He recalled that 60% of hearing loss in childhood occurs due to preventable causes. We must therefore emphasize the importance of early detection and interventions leading to better access to education and a better quality of life for children and their families.
MEP Alex Agius Saliba also recalled that around 22.6 million European citizens have unheard hearings.
Dr Andrew Sciberras, on behalf of the Association of Maltese Audiologists, stressed the importance of checking a person’s hearing regularly to provide the necessary help and treatment. Explain how hearing tests are easy to perform and do not involve discomfort.
Dr Sciberras spoke about the role of the Association in raising awareness about hearing loss among the public and making sure that hearing care is provided by qualified people and is of a high standard.
