DRETCHI, US charity to provide free hearing aids

In a release it was reported that “thanks to the unending determination and passion of former Red Steel co-owner, Jon Talarico and the Trinidad and Tobago Association for the Hearing Impaired/ DRETCHI, citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will receive the gift of hearing at no cost to them thanks to the amazing work of Starkey Hearing Foundation”.

“Because of the commitment of the Association and the unwavering support and leadership of Starkey Hearing Foundation, thousands of citizens who experience hearing- loss are going to receive the gift of hearing they may not have been able to afford.

Given the challenges here in the local economy, it is a true gift and blessing that The Starkey Hearing Foundation are willing to undertake such an endeavour,” Talarico stated Derek Johnson and Julia Lis, Starkey Hearing Foundation Development Directors for the Caribbean Region, stated: “Starkey Hearing Foundation are fortunate to have the opportunity to help those in Trinidad & Tobago with hearing loss that will improve their lives. This is not just a one-time event, but the start of the WFA Community- Based Hearing Health Care programme that will support ongoing education, after-care and empowerment tools for patients”.

Bill Austin and Tani Austin, co-founders of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, have cared for more than 1.1 million patients and provided 1.9 million hearing devices in more than 100 countries. According to the release Starkey Hearing Foundation gives the gift of hearing to people in need around the world.

“Hearing is a vehicle to reflect caring and to improve lives of individuals, their families, and communities,” the release stated.

“It is with the strong determination of Mr Talarico and T&T Association for the Hearing Impaired that this project will be possible to take place in Trinidad. Our goal is quite simple-to make sure we are able to assist and help everyone in need here in Trinidad and Tobago.” Also in the release the Trinidad and Tobago Association for the Hearing Impaired / DRETCHI wishes to inform the public that regular services of hearing test, servicing of hearing aids, moulding and hearing aid fitting will be suspended from November 15-18 for a training mission with staff and Starkey Hearing Foundation. All regular services will resume on November 21.