Hai is a 21-year-old construction worker from Cambodia. During his free time, he plays football and helps his family on their farm. Hai has chronic otitis media – or chronic ear infections – also coupled with a perforated tympanic membrane.
According to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), “When Hai was 12 years old, he began experiencing chronic discharge from his left ear. Over time this infection has perforated his tympanic membrane and caused hearing loss, tinnitus, and pain.”
Hai says of his condition, “It is difficult for me to communicate with other people because I cannot hear well.” Hai travelled two hours to reach CSC, accompanied by his aunt.
With $399, Hai will receive a myringoplasty, a procedure in which a surgeon will repair the hole in Hai’s eardrum with skin grafts. After the surgery, the discharge and pain will stop. Hai will experience fewer ear infections and his hearing will improve.
Hai shares, “I hope the ear discharge stops and I will have good hearing.”