Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530515
3 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 13 DECEMBER 2024 NEWS GozoToday is a weekly newspaper focused primarily on Gozo. It hopes to serve as a source of information on business, culture, entertainment and of course current affairs. Gozo has a special charm about it but it is also a bustling Island with an identity of its own. GozoToday is published every Friday and is available to numerous outlets in Gozo and on the ferries that carry so many visitors to Gozo from Malta and beyond. GozoToday MediaToday Co. Ltd Vjal ir-Rihan San Gwann SGN 9016 EDITOR: PAUL COCKS Tel: (356) 21 382741-3, 21 382745-6 Website: www.maltatoday.com.mt E-mail: dailynews@mediatoday.com.mt 2 1 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 I 2 0 : 0 0 R E P U B L I C S T R E E T , V I C T O R I A , G O Z O C H R I S T M A S F E S T I V E - M A G I C A L - S P E C T A C U L A R Gozo Association for the Deaf launches OAE screening and diagnostic testing THE Gozo Association for the Deaf (G.A.D.) has expanded its audiological services with the in- troduction of Otoacoustic Emis- sions (OAE) technology for both screening and diagnostic pur- poses. Funds for purchasing this equipment was in part procured through the NGO Scheme of the Gozo Ministry. The addition of this testing in- strument to the G.A.D.'s audiol- ogy clinic results in more accu- rate hearing assessments while addressing the needs of a diverse range of patients, including chil- dren with challenging behaviours and developmental disabilities. OAE testing is a non-inva- sive and objective method that measures sound waves gener- ated by the inner ear, offering highly precise results without re- quiring active participation from the individual being tested. This makes it an ideal solution for children who may have difficul- ty concentrating or cooperating during pure tone audiometry tests. This ensures that every- one, regardless of their unique challenges, has access to early identification and intervention for hearing issues. Key benefits of OAE Screening and Diagnostics combined with other types of hearing tests In- clude: • Early Detection: Quick and reliable identification of hearing loss, in infants, young children and adults. • Enhanced Accessibility: EZective testing for individuals with behavioural challenges, de- velopmental disabilities, or lim- ited ability to respond. • Prompt Intervention: Ear- ly diagnosis allows for timely hearing aid fittings or other in- terventions, supporting speech, language, and cognitive develop- ment in children. Early intervention is critical for children with hearing loss as it fosters the development of lan- guage and communication skills, setting the foundation for future success. Additionally, for adults, timely diagnosis and treatment can im- prove overall quality of life and help mitigate risks such as cog- nitive decline, especially in per- sons prone to dementia. The introduction of OAE tech- nology underscores the G.A.D.'s commitment to innovation and inclusivity in audiological man- agement and hearing care.