Tanzania HARK! 2008-2012
The HARK project in Tanzania will improve the lives of people suffering ear disease and hearing loss by providing access to audiology services to the isolated rural poor communities of Tanzania. A new service will be set up which will deliver hearing assessments, treatment of disease, referrals to hospitals or schools if necessary and fitting of hearing aids. The HARK! Team will consist of three local nurses and an Audiometrist, trained in clinical audiology at the University of Nairobi. Sound Seekers will sponsor two of the HARK! nurses and also an ENT Surgeon who will undertake an MSc in Audiology at the University College, London. In addition, two technicians will attend an Audiology Maintenance Technology course at Kyambogo University in Kampala, Uganda. The outreach service will be delivered with the use of a bespoke mobile ‘HARK!’ audiology clinic, carrying a full suite of diagnostic and treatment equipment. In addition, a link will be established with the Buguruni School for the Deaf, Dar es Salaam to promote the use of music as a way of improving deaf children’s communication skills.