About Us
Hearing is one of the senses that connects us to life – without sound the world is empty and silent.
More than 5% of our population suffer from hearing loss, and many people cannot afford treatment.
HearWeGo is a registered non-profit company which aims to provide financial assistance and other support
to hearing impaired individuals who have limited financial means, from all walks of life.
Vision
Connect hearing impaired individuals to life.
Mission
Provide financial aid and support to financially challenged hearing impaired individuals.
Our team
Tamara qualified as a Speech Language Pathologist and Audiologist in 2000 at the University of Pretoria. She has nearly 20 years’ experience in the cochlear implant field and is a member of the Tygerberg Hospital University of Stellenbosch Cochlear Implant Unit. As a private practice owner in Paarl, she is also a proud member of iCAN and President Elect for SAAA.
“Helping people to hear again is my passion! So it only made sense to start a nonprofit where I can help people in my community”
Dr André van Straten obtained his medical degree at the University of Pretoria. He then moved to East London where he completed his internship and community service at Frere Hospital. It was during his
community service where he gained an interest in the field of ENT and quickly realized that he would ultimately become an ENT surgeon. After spending some time in general surgery he relocated to the Western Cape and there obtained his specialist qualification at the University of Stellenbosch. Passionate about his work, he keeps abreast of the latest trends in current care and surgical techniques by attending local and international congresses. This allows him to provide the best treatment options which he tailors to his patients’ individual needs.
Dr Kruger’s career of more than 40 years includes virtually all fields of traffic and transportation engineering on national and international level. He has also been actively involved in property development projects in his capacity as project manager and developer. These projects cover most sectors, ranging from residential and retirement estates to retail, commercial and industrial developments.
“I lost my hearing at the age of 45 and received my first cochlear implant in 1995 and a second in 2005. I was able, with the assistance of my wife, family, friends and medical personnel, to embrace this miracle and lead a productive and happy life. Now it is my turn to do it for someone else.”
After obtaining her degree in Education at the University of Pretoria in 2005, Nicolette started working in the medical field. During her 12 year role as surgical manager for a cochlear & acoustic implant company, she completed an Advanced Diploma in Hearing Aid Acoustics. She currently works as a locum in Tamara van Zyl’s private practice and in a part-time capacity for Hear We Go.
“Partnerships built on purpose can change how the world listens. Speak up”
Leo’s career as a chartered accountant includes experience in auditing of both locally and globally listed entities and real estate and other consulting services. He has worked within two of the Big Four auditing firms as well as co-founding an advisory firm servicing the real estate sector, property funds and real estate investment trusts. He is CFO of a group with global reach and has extensive accounting, auditing and forensic experience in the real estate and financial services sectors. Leo started developing hearing loss in his 30’s and has been using bilateral hearing aids since then. Although his hearing loss is progressive, he is able to lead a full and successful life with the help of his hearing aids. His experience has highlighted to him the importance of funding and access for all to the necessary devices in order fo every individual’s full potential to be realised.
“Hearing loss is not classified as a Prescribed Minimum Benefit in the Medical Schemes Act and is not funded by most Medical Aid Schemes. With this shortcoming in the legal framework, and lack of government funding to supply hearing aids, there is dependancy on NPO’s to provide this service. I am proud to be part of the board of HearWeGo to facilitate the necessary funding for hearing aid distribution”
Our Assistance Includes
Diagnosis & Maintenance
Diagnosis of hearing loss
Hearing tests and follow-up monitoring of hearing thresholds
Upgrades and maintenance
Payment Of Accounts
Payment of accounts associated with hearing health care, including ENT and/or audiology visits, and any other medical professional bills related to the rehabilitation of the individual, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, educational psychology, etc
Provisioning
Provision of appropriate technology based on the diagnosis, which includes:
Hearing aids,
Cochlear implants,
Bone conduction devices,
Gene therapy,
Assistive listening devices,
Spare parts,
Ear molds,
Batteries
Counselling & Support
Counselling and support to the hearing impaired and their families
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance to students who study in relevant fields
Travel & Accommodation
Travel and accommodation cost of patients who need to travel from outlying areas/schools
Ways to make a change
Individuals:
Make a direct deposit/EFT
Commit to a monthly debit order
Add HearWeGo as beneficiary on your Woolworths My School card
Make a bequest in your will
Sponsor a specific individual’s hearing needs
Hold a fundraiser on behalf of HearWeGo
Donate spares or second hand processor equipment
Corporates:
Make an annual financial contribution
Hold a fundraiser on behalf of HearWeGo
Raise awareness about hearing loss, cochlear implants and HearWeGo
Our Donors, Sponsors and Partners
A special thanks to all donors
