Hearo ensures access to essential hearing care and rehabilitation

By Hearo

Hearo, a voluntary non-profit organisation dedicated to providing funding to support hearing implant recipients, is making significant strides in improving the lives of individuals with hearing loss across South Africa. Founded in 2023, Hearo aims to bridge the gap between limited government funding and the critical need for comprehensive rehabilitation services to ensure that all patients have access to the support they need.

As World Cochlear Implant Day (25 February) and World Hearing Day (3 March) approach, it’s essential to educate South Africans on the critical importance of the rehabilitation process when a hearing implant is received. While Hearo does not provide rehabilitation services directly, it plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to highly qualified professionals. “By offering financial assistance, Hearo ensures that patients can benefit from essential services, including device maintenance, replacements, counselling, and neonatal screening,” says Esri Rossouw, a founding member of Hearo.Hearo’s funding also extends to tailored speech therapy for children delivered in their home language, coaching caregivers to support listening, speech, and social development. This early intervention helps children thrive academically and socially, unlocking their full potential.

Rossouw continues: “The rehabilitation process for hearing implant recipients is multifaceted and varies for each individual. After surgery, patients have a few weeks to heal before their cochlear implant is switched on by an audiologist. The timeline for follow-up visits and adjustments to device settings depends on the patient's progress as the brain adapts to new sounds. Speech therapy sessions which are crucial for children, are recommended based on the needs of each patient with frequent sessions leading to better results.”

The financial burden of hearing implants and rehabilitation can be overwhelming. The cost of a cochlear implant is approximately R250 000, with upgrades needed every 3-5 years costing around R150 000. Additionally, the annual cost of replacement parts can range from R5 000 to R150 000. This is where Hearo steps in to provide much-needed financial support such as funding monthly salaries for therapists in government hospitals and private practices to ensure patients receive essential rehabilitation services.

Lerato Mothupi, a hearing screener at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, has benefited from Hearo and is testament to the work the team is undertaking. She says: "Hearo has been a tremendous support and has helped me grow in my career and assist my family. Thanks to them, I am now equipped to help detect any hearing issues early which is essential for babies' hearing and speech development. I am grateful for the difference Hearo makes in both my life and the lives of the families we serve."

Hearo supports established audiology units in both the private and government sectors especially focusing on facilities with overwhelming patient demand. The selection process is based on the urgent needs of these units - many of which struggle to keep up with the influx of patients requiring care. By funding therapists and providing resources, Hearo ensures comprehensive care for patients.

“Hearo works through patients' care teams, including ENT surgeons, audiologists, and speech therapists to provide information and support throughout the rehabilitation process,” explains Rossouw. “The organisation addresses rehabilitation challenges by funding therapists in the government sector, ensuring access to essential services for adapting to new sounds and developing speech.”

In order to raise funds, Hearo relies on donations and fund-raising initiatives. An option is for members of the public to contribute monthly donations. “Hearo's first fundraiser at the Cape Town Cycle Tour on 9 March invites participants to donate their old bikes for auction or sale to raise funds post the race. Supporters can also contribute to one of Hearo's eight projects on GivenGain helping more people access life-changing hearing care. Additionally, supporters who donate R200 or more will be entered into a lucky draw for a helicopter tour for two in Cape Town worth R7 000.” 

Visit www.hearo.co.za to learn more about Hearo's initiatives and how you can support their mission to provide life-changing hearing care. To make a donation, please visit GivenGain (https://www.givengain.com/cc/hearo-donation-drive-2025)