KNYSNA NEWS - The ten-year-old Daniella Jantjies had trouble distinguishing between words, but since receiving a pair of hearing aids from Siemens, in partnership with the Knysna Learning and Hearing Centre, she can hear much better and her speech has also improved.

Jantjies’ family had not realised that Daniella’s hearing was impaired. "We never thought that Daniella could be deaf. We always assumed that she just had a problem with learning and listening when spoken to. But now we have come to realise that she is actually deaf," said Ajera Petrus, Jantjies’ cousin.

"I just decided to visit the Learning and Hearing Centre. I wanted to know if something was definitely wrong with her hearing, because she was doing very poorly in school and she used to speak extremely loudly," explained Petrus.

Hannelie Kemp, owner of the Learning and Hearing Centre, Knysna, said that they were at the right place at the right time. "Siemens, one of our hearing aid providers, informed us that they have new hearing aids to give to disadvantaged children, or anyone else for that matter, as part of their Christmas wish initiative. It was then that Ajera and Daniella visited us. We did a screening test and she was the lucky girl to receive a new pair of hearing aids," smiled Kemp. Kemp was extremely happy about the fact that Siemens was giving back to the community. "I am so happy about this. Siemens is not only uplifting the community, but they also changed a child’s life for the better."

Kemp explained that while the hearing aids Jantjies’ received are of a superior quality, Jantjies will still be unable to hear like people with normal hearing. "However," said Kemp, "Daniella’s self-esteem and speech as well as her behaviour have improved, all thanks to a pair of hearing aids."

Jantjies is very grateful for Siemens’ donation. "It is very nice to have these hearing aids. I couldn’t hear so well when people spoke to me. Now I can hear the words much clearer and can make out what they are saying to me," explained Daniella Jantjies.

Margaret Dos Santos of the Learning and Hearing Centre explained, "When Daniella first came to us for her screening test, she was so shy and such an introverted little girl. But when she walked out of the Learning and Hearing Centre with her new hearing aids, she suddenly looked like a whole different person - much happier and less shy."
Children can have or develop hearing problems in their early years and parent are usually the first to suspect that something is amiss, but parents’ ‘diagnosis’ is frequently incorrect. Kemp emphasised the importance of interpreting the symptoms of impaired hearing correctly.

Signs of hearing loss include that the child:

• Doesn’t react when called;
• Appears inattentive or prone to daydreaming;
• Listens to the television at high volume;
• Talks too loudly;
• Mispronounces words;
• Performs poorly at school;
• Is often tired, grumpy, frustrated or over-active.

The degree of hearing loss can determine the impact it will have on the child throughout life. Hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop communication, language and social skills. However, with early identification and treatment, the impact can be lessened and the more likely they are to reach their full potential.

Kemp said that the Learning and Hearing Centre would like to perform some screening tests at various schools in Knysna, preferably of children age ten and above.

"We just want to create an awareness what teachers as well as parents should look out for," concluded Kemp.
Interested persons and schools can contact the Learning and Hearing Centre on 044 382 1168.

ARTICLE: ROZANO ALIE, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST