-
- Datin Wendy Lau (fourth from right) represents her husband, Henry, to present the mock cheque to Sarawak Hear. Dr Tang is on the left, Dr Sim (fourth from left), Liong (third from left), Voon (right), and their family members. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
-
- Dr Tang presents his talk on `Hearing Loss and Ear Implants’ at the event.
-
- Muller (second from right) presents his mock cheque. Dr Tang is on left while Dr Sim is in the centre.
-
- Dr Tang (left) receives a mock cheque for the hearing aids from a representative from Phonak (right).
-
- Ong (second from right) presents the mock cheque to Dr Tang (left), witnessed by Dr Sim (centre) and others.
KUCHING: Sarawak Hearing and Aural Rehabilitation Society (Sarawak Hear) received a big boost to its existence when Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud agreed last month to be its patron.
The organisation provides assistance and information on treatment options for people with hearing impairments.
It also strives to bring together individuals, small groups, the industries, and policy makers to work towards the goal of ‘integrating the hearing impaired to the listening world’.
Its president, Dr Tang Ing Ping, believed everyone was aware of the plights of those with hearing impairment.
“They are unable to learn, unable to appreciate the world, and unable to live to their fullest potential because of their hearing disability,” he said during Sarawak Hear’s introduction ceremony at the old Court House here yesterday.
Dr Tang, who is also associate professor of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas)’s Department of Surgery, said his non-governmental organisation (NGO) with about 50 members would also be used to raise awareness and to channel help to those with hearing problems.
“For policy makers, we serve as a platform for consultation, planning and resource management to care for the people.”
Among other notable figures in Sarawak Hear is former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan as advisor.
During the event yesterday, Dr Tang enlightened those present about the nation’s first two cases of auditory brainstem implant (ABI) – a small surgically implanted electronic device connected to the brain stem.
The operations were carried out on two Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) patients at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH). The patients – Liong Shiu Hui, 30, and Voon Joon Wee, 28 – were operated on at Sarawak General Hospital last June 28 and 29, respectively.
“This ground-breaking success would not come to fruition had it not been for the support of many parties,” said Dr Tang, who is also SGH’s consultant ENT surgeon.
“Firstly, I would like to convey my deepest gratitude to The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo’s Phyllis Wong for helping us to source for financial support.”
There were three sponsors for the operations, which costs about RM70,000 each. The generous trio are Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who donated RM37,100, KTS Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Dato Henry Lau (RM37,100), and Medel Asia Pacific director Thomas Muller (RM70,000). SGH covered the cost of the operations and medical expenses.
At the gathering yesterday, Sarawak Hear received 15 units of Phonak hearing aids costing RM128,700 from Phonak, a RM20,000 cheque from Oticon South East Asia managing director Doris Ong, and RM20,000 from Muller.
Present to witness the presentations was Minister of Local Government Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who said the Society should expand its role by conducting medical research on hearing impairments.
“With research and breakthroughs, we can share our knowledge and technologies with the world.”
“Do not be happy at where we are and wait for technology to come to us. We must share the technologies and conduct research; otherwise, we will be forever left behind,” said Dr Sim.
He also challenged Sarawak Hear to recruit at least 500 members by next year, including those above 80 years old as they are prone to hearing problems.
Meanwhile, SGH will be organising the Better Hearing and Speech Month. It will start with hearing and speech screening for hospital staff and their families from Oct 4-19. There would be a free public hearing screening and poster exhibition from Oct 20-28 from 8am to 5pm. There would be information and hearing-aid booths during this period. A special workshop for hospital staff will be held on Oct 28.