Margaret has long-standing bilateral hearing loss in both her left and right ears. This began when she had malaria over ten years ago and was treated with a quinine drug that may have affected her ears. Despite this, she shared that she is determined to raise her kid and take care of her family. She has been relying on relatives for rent and money for upkeep after the death of her husband last year.
Margaret needs hearing aids to help to restore her hearing and hopes to even start a small business to earn a better income afterwards. She was advised by a friend to visit Kijabe Hospital for a checkup and possible treatment. In late February, she visited the hospital and tests confirmed that she could hear again with the use of hearing aids. Unfortunately, she is unable to afford the cost of the hearing aids and fitting, and her medical coverage will not cover it either. She was grateful to get one (left) hearing aid from a donation to the hospital but is requesting help with the right hearing aid.
Margaret is a mother of three aged between 18 and 12 years. She lives in a two-room house costing Ksh 5000 (USD 50) per month. Life’s pressures and the desire to be independent have driven her to seek treatment help at Kijabe Hospital and she is hopeful to be feeling well soon.
Margaret says, “I want to be independent and take care of my kids. It is hard for me to even start a business because I cannot hear my customers. I hope these hearing aids will help me communicate well again.”