Dearth of teachers for the deaf noted

The Malta Cochlear Implant Association has highlighted the problem of the lack of teachers for the deaf and the need to promote the profession among prospective teachers at university, encouraging qualified teachers to specialise in special education.

Since its foundation two years ago, the association has taken the initiative to promote awareness of member children's educational needs. It recently organised an awareness meeting for teachers and speech-language pathologists.

Members of the Manchester Cochlear Paediatric Team visited Malta last week to assess for the first time Maltese cochlear-implanted children and prospective candidates.

Eight Maltese children and three adults have cochlear implants and there is also a waiting list.

Cochlear implants are a sophisticated hearing device, implanted in the inner ear through a surgical operation, which electronically stimulates hearing.

Surgery for the Maltese patients was performed in Manchester and the team's visit cut down on travelling expenses and other costs for the Maltese, the Malta Cochlear Implant Association said.

The implantees have to go on regular visits to the UK for check-ups.

The team was composed of coordinator/audiologist Elizabeth Tyszkiewicz and speech-language pathologist Catherine Labate.

During their stay, they also visited the schools the cochlear-implanted children attend and delivered two informative lectures to those involved in the care of these children.

The association said the visitors were impressed by the children's progress and the support they received.

The visit was made possible by audiologist Anthony Fenech from the ENT department at St Luke's Hospital, with the backing of the health department.