A Fair Hearing for All: Providing Appropriate Amplification in Developing Countries

The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Christoffel Blindenmission, initiated a campaign to make hearing health care more affordable in developing countries. As part of this initiative, WHO has issued guidelines on appropriate minimum requirements for the technical performance of hearing aids, earmolds, and delivery services. Godisa Trust is a not-for-profit agency working to meet and exceed WHO's recommendations. Based in southern Africa, Godisa assembles and markets inexpensive, European-designed hearing aids with a dedicated solar-powered battery recharger. This article outlines the major implications of the work of Godisa and other organizations for people with hearing disabilities who live in developing countries