Challenge
Oaxaca is one of the three poorest states in Mexico. There is a severe lack of public audiology services, hearing screenings for infants and children, and access to speech therapy. As a result, hearing loss in children under the age of six often goes undetected.
With 3 out of 1000 newborns experiencing hearing loss, Oaxaca has the highest rate in the country. Despite efforts by state health services, there are limited diagnostic and treatment options available for children with hearing loss.
Additionally, hearing loss is still heavily stigmatized in Mexico. There is hardly any public education about hearing loss and its social and health consequences.
How we help
Children under 10 years old with hearing loss from low-income families receive diagnosis and new hearing aids. This promotes their social integration. They will be able to follow school lessons better and have more career opportunities later.
The local team works with public and private clinics and community offices. Regular hearing tests in schools help detect hearing loss in children earlier and ensure their treatment.
- Building Knowledge of Audiology Professionals and Health Personnel
- Diagnosis, hearing aid fitting, and follow-up care for children under 10 years old from low-income families
- Offering speech therapy for children under ten years old
Our Partner
The Centro Oaxaqueño de Rehabilitación de Audición y Lenguaje (CORAL) is a non-profit organization founded in 1989. It provides clinical and therapeutic care for people of all ages with hearing loss in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.