deafness

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Rural man’s innovation translates sign language into audio

Our Health

Born to deaf parents, a Limpopo man has created a communication tool to improve the lives of those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
June 27, 2019

Two women vs ‘big pharma’ to fight TB

News

One hails from Mumbai and the other from Khayelitsha but the pair has teamed up after surviving the planet’s deadliest infectious disease; tuberculosis (TB). Toxic treatment robbed both women of their hearing and a newer, safer, drug is unaffordable leaving many people with the choice between deafness or death.

Amy Green
February 13, 2019

Two women vs ‘big pharma’ to fight TB

News

Amy Green
February 13, 2019

Despite side-effects, docs promote old TB treatment

Health

At a recent international TB conference, some doctors suggested countries with weak health systems should not be allowed to use new TB drugs, although the old ones are ineffectual and cause deafness. Thankfully, South Africa is leading the world in treating drug-resistant TB.

anja-reuter
November 20, 2018

World first for SA: All-access for blockbuster TB drug

News

South Africa made history on Monday when the health department announced that all drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients will be eligible to receive the new medicine, bedaquiline, becoming the first country to do so.

Amy Green
June 19, 2018

Swallowing, signing and speaking

News

Undeterred by a huge patient load and the odd kick from an autistic child, a young speech therapist is loving her community service.

kerrycullinan
May 28, 2018

Much shorter TB treatment offers hope

Health, Health Systems

There is hope for people living with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) as the “gruelling” two-year treatment with “terrible side-effects” such as deafness can now be successfully shortened to just nine months.

Amy Green
November 3, 2016

An agonising choice: go deaf or die!

Health Systems, News, Our Health

Like other Multi Drug Resistant TB patients, Linah Choene (23) faced a terrible decision: either give up her treatment and die, or continue with it and go deaf.

jamesthabo
September 16, 2016
2 Comments

Deaf children remain seen, not heard

Health, Our Health

Born into a world of silence, most deaf children will only learn sign language at the age of six – if they are lucky. Years of silence may take their toll on small children during a crucial time in their development.

itumelengtau
September 29, 2015

Early screening or deaf children key

Health, Our Health

The earlier deafness can be diagnosed, the better but it takes parents and teachers to know the signs and government to make screening mandatory, according to Likho Bottoman of the nongovernmental organisation Hi Hopes, which works with deaf children and their families.

itumelengtau
September 29, 2015

Distance not the only barrier between disabled and care

Health Systems, Our Health

Ramps, floor lighting and sign language interpreters are just a few of the simple things disabled people say they need to access health care but few health facilities are well-equipped.

lungilethamela
August 5, 2014

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