When she was in primary school in Kenya, Esther sustained an injury to her right ear while playing. Due to her family’s inability to afford hospital care, she received traditional medicinal treatment.
However, after enrolling in high school in 2006 Esther began to notice a hearing problem. Now, as a 26-year-old recent university graduate, Esther is not able to perceive sound with her right ear.
Between 2006 and 2009 Esther visited different hospitals with no clear diagnosis of her condition. Luckily, in 2015 she was referred to a national hospital where she was diagnosed and hearing aids were prescribed. However, Esther cannot afford to purchase the hearing aids.
Esther is the second-born child in a family of three children. She and her two brothers have been raised by a single mother who earns a living as a fruit vendor. Esther’s eldest brother is a casual laborer, as he could not proceed with his education after high school due to lack of school fees.
Esther was lucky to have a sponsor who has supported her education from high school through to university. She completed her degree in commerce in April 2016 but has yet to secure a job. Esther’s aim in life is to support her mother and brothers, as they have had a long struggle in life.
Due to her hearing condition, Esther has had problems fully engaging in conversations. People are sometimes offended when she has to keep asking them to repeat what they are saying.
If not treated, Esther will continue having problems with her hearing and this may continue to affect her social relations. Her progress at work and in life will be limited because of the condition.
Esther was recently referred by a friend to Watsi’s medical partner, where hearing aids were once again recommended. Her family requires financial assistance to cover the $712 cost of the hearing aids.
Let’s help Esther purchase the hearing aids she needs so she can find a job and accomplish her goals. “My wish is to be able to access the hearing aids and be able to lead a more productive life and give back to the society,” says Esther.