After more than two decades of silence, 32-year-old Glorico “JR” Nana Jr. is once again experiencing the world of sound.
Nana, who works at the Municipal Budget Office of the municipal government of President Quirino, lost his hearing at the age of eight due to the trauma of being taken hostage.
His reconnection to the auditory world became possible through a recent medical mission by the Starkey Hearing Foundation and the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat, which provided him with a hearing aid.
In an interview facilitated by a translator, Nana shared his initial experiences with his new ability to hear and how it is already easing his daily life.
“May naririnig na ako. Medyo naninibago pa pero mas magaan na sa pakiramdam. Naririnig ko na ang mga kasama ko sa trabaho,” he said, expressing his joy at being able to hear his coworkers. (I can hear now. I’m still adjusting, but it feels lighter. I can already hear my coworkers at the office.)
Nana, who also enjoys creating lip-sync videos online as a content creator, noted that his restored hearing makes content creation more enjoyable and boosts his confidence.
Offering encouragement to others facing similar challenges, he shared a heartfelt message: “Huwag mawalan ng pag-asa. Lahat posible. Salamat, Starkey. Salamat Mayor Sandigan at Gov. Mangudadatu,” acknowledging the organizations and individuals who made his renewed hearing possible. (Don’t lose hope. Everything is possible. Thank you, Starkey. Thank you, Mayor Sandigan. Thank you, Gov. Mangudadatu.)
Nana was among 38 individuals who received new hearing aids during the two-day medical mission held at the provincial hospital last April.
Additionally, 33 people returned for aftercare services, including receiving batteries, repairs, or replacement parts for their existing hearing aids.
Prior to receiving their devices, all patients underwent basic hearing and voice tests, along with ear measurements conducted by trained professionals. Simultaneously, 24 local health workers from rural health units received training on the use of essential hearing-related tools such as audiometers and Otoacoustic Emissions machines, as well as instruction on how to interpret audiograms.
Dave Bella, Provincial Director for Health Affairs, announced that all beneficiaries of the mission will receive free lifetime aftercare and battery replacements, courtesy of the provincial government, ensuring ongoing support for their hearing needs.
This recent mission builds upon the success of a similar effort last year, which assisted more than 500 hearing-impaired residents in Sultan Kudarat, highlighting the continued commitment to addressing hearing loss in the province. (ORVR, PIA Region 12)
