Date:06/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/06/stories/2008110650180200.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

Get your hearing aid repaired for free

Staff Correspondent

MYSORE: Here is a chance to get hearing aids repaired from the experts free of cost. The opportunity is available up to November 7 at the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH) here.

The Department of Electronics, AIISH, Mysore, has organised a five-day camp for free repair of hearing aids. MLA H.S. Shankaralinge Gowda, who inaugurated the camp on Monday, gave a call for organising more such camps for the benefit of people who cannot afford to bear the cost of repairs and spares.

According to AIISH, majority of people suffering from hearing problem belong to lower income group who are unable to afford the cost of repair and spares of hearing aids. They eventually stop using them, affecting the rehabilitation process. Therefore, the institute organises camps to repair hearing aids free of cost.

Speaking at the inauguration of the camp, AIISH Director Vijayalakshmi Basavaraj stressed the need for creating awareness among the people regarding hearing aids and hearing impairment.

Ajish K. Abraham, HoD (Electronics), AIISH, said hearing aid, like any other electronic device, was prone to breakdown. The institute has a special section at the Department of Electronics for repair of all types of hearing aids.

Normally, the hearing aids are repaired and serviced at a nominal cost of Rs. 10 at the department, but spares will be charged. The spares would cost between Rs. 15 and Rs. 350, he said.

About 95 hearing aid users attended the camp on the first day and got their hearing aids repaired free. The camp will conclude on Friday and individuals can avail themselves of the facility from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the AIISH campus on Bogadi Road.