Introduction
The Occupational Deafness Compensation Board conducts or finances rehabilitation programmes for persons suffering from occupational deafness (OD persons). The objective is to help such persons make better use of their residual hearing capacity to overcome the problems or difficulties brought about by hearing impairment. Through better communication, they could take a more meaningful participation in family and social life.
This year, under the Occupational Deafness Rehabilitation Network (ODRN), the Board forms partnership with different organizations to arrange a wide range of rehabilitation activities for the OD persons. These activities are organised on three levels:
Aural rehabilitation : to assist the OD persons and their family members in overcoming the hearing impairment and related problems through the provision of suitable audiological advises, hearing assistive devices and training of communication strategies;
Social rehabilitation : to help the OD persons re-integrate into social life through various activities designed to let them regain confidence and motivation to interact with other people in the family and community;
Vocational rehabilitation : to assist those OD persons who still have the capacity and incentive to work in preparing for searching suitable employment.
Aural Rehabilitation
Aural rehabilitation encompasses a wide set of practices aimed at optimizing The OD person’s ability to participate in activities and communications that have been limited as a result of hearing loss. Under the Occupational Deafness (Compensation) Ordinance, the OD persons may consult our Board audiologist to obtain audiologic evaluation, professional advises and counselling on different communication strategies, including the acquisition of hearing aids and related devices through the Hearing Assistive Device Sponsorship Scheme (HAD Scheme).
Hearing Aid Seminar and Workshop
The Board organises pre-fitting seminars on a regular basis to educate those OD persons on information regarding the benefits and candidacy of different hearing assistive devices, and their acquisition, fitting, repair or maintenance procedures under the HAD Scheme. While small group of hands-on post-fitting workshops will also be hosted to provide training and practical tips on better handling and maintenance of the hearing aids.
Hearing Aid and Tinnitus Masker Trial Scheme
OD person may have a one-month free trial of a loaner hearing aid or tinnitus masker under the trial scheme, which aims to allow those OD persons who have reservation on using hearing aids and/or tinnitus maskers to experience the benefits of the device, thereby convincing them to acquire one for themselves under the scheme.
Social Rehabilitation
Due to hearing difficulties, many OD persons experience problems in communicating with other people and taking full enjoyment of daily life. Social rehabilitation aims to help them regain confidence and motivation to interact with other people in the family and community.
To strengthen communication with the OD persons being compensated, the Board also publishes a quarterly newsletter (in Chinese)(Please click here to download accessible version in Chinese) which is distributed to all persons concerned.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Since 2009, the Board has commenced a vocational rehabilitation programme for those Occupational Deafness (OD) persons, who may need job placement consultation services and training on job searching skills and technical knowhow. These services aim at helping those OD persons who still have the working ability and motive to engage in or switch to suitable employments. This year, those OD persons require such service may contact the social worker of the counselling service for assistance.
