Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that more than 360 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss with the highest percentage in developing countries.

However, half of all hearing loss is preventable through early detection and primary healthcare intervention.

It is with this thrust that officials from the Ministry of Health and Wellness met with representatives of the Starkey Hearing Foundation in the United States.

"The founder, William F. Austin started Starkey Hearing Technologies, and anytime anybody would come for a hearing aid and could not afford to pay for that hearing aid, he felt that nobody should be excluded from the opportunity to hear. And so that mentality ended up snowballing over 50 years into what is specifically the Starkey Hearing Foundation," Derek Johnson International Development Director for the Caribbean Region, said.

"Now, we go all over the world. We have a sustainable program in over 52 countries. Saint Lucia will be number 53."

Studies have shown that hearing loss may result from complications at birth, certain infectious diseases, genetic causes, chronic ear infections, the use of particular drugs, and ageing and exposure to excessive noise.

Medical Officer for Health, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, said the Ministry of Health welcomes the collaboration with the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

"This foundation will help strengthen our present hearing program. We presently have two hearing health clinics in the north and the south of the island. The foundation will provide training for community nurses at the wellness centres, and treatment support and follow ups for persons who are screened and are found to have hearing issues. These are some of the gaps that we have noted in our program."

Dr. George added that an important aspect of the program offered by the Starkey Hearing Foundation regards hearing loss prevention.

"Quite a few of our young people listen to very loud music which can also damage the inner ear. So that will also be a part of the program, where they will assist in preventative measures."

Starkey Hearing Foundation representatives said the aim is to complement existing programs and provide training that will serve patients' follow-up needs.

Dr. George expressed the ministry's gratitude for Starkey's timely support and generosity, that will directly benefit needy persons.