2013
Sixth-year medical student wins Audiere scholarship for audiology studies in UK
Maret Lepplaan, a medical student in his sixth year of studies at the University of Tartu, has been awarded an Audiere scholarship to study audiology at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. The scholarship, which was established on the initiative of the NGO Audiere and with the support of the Association of Estonian Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors and the Head and Neck Surgeons Society, supports the training of audiologists in Manchester.
Hearing science is not taught in Estonia and no specialists in the field have emerged in the last twenty years. However, the need for modern audiologists in the country is constantly increasing, because the number of patients suffering from early deafness is on the rise. Audiologists also deal with the care and rehabilitation of the deaf and patients with cochlear implants.
Lepplaan began her studies in Manchester as the first Audiere scholarship recipient in autumn 2013. Master’s programmes in audiology at the University of Manchester are led by Dr Kai Uus.
One of the major contributors to the Audiere scholarship is the British-Estonian Chamber of Commerce, while a significant part of the 6400-euro fund comes from the mission prize awarded to Audiere by the Aadu Luukas Foundation and other donations made to Audiere. The scholarship was presented at a special ceremony held on 4 April at the residence of the British ambassador to Estonia.
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This year too Kalev Spa sponsored a young child with an implant. Edith is an active little girl who can now hear thanks to a graft and whose family will obtain a precious new processor in 2014. The cost-sharing involved in purchasing an additional enhancement is around 1000 euros, depending on the specific needs. Kalev Spa’s Christmas card campaign provided enormous support for Edith’s family in paying this amount. Big thanks to the management and team at Kalev Spa!
On Mother’s Day, 8 May, Elion organised a Mother's Day charity concert on Town Hall Square in Tallinn – the 12th such concert to mark the special day. This year, artists such as Maarja-Liis Ilus, Tanel Padar & the Sun, Jäääär, Maire Eliste’s singing kids and Chillin took to the stage. The concert was recorded and broadcast on ETV the same evening.
As in previous years, Elion donated 3,200 euros for its part.
“We’re long since aware of the good work Audiere does – they’ve done an outstanding job collecting donations for years, which has resulted in 44 deaf children regaining their hearing,” said Chairman of the Board of Elion Valdur Laid. “I imagine it’s the greatest gift you could give these children, and their parents. When I saw the energy the Audiere team had when they were working and how dedicated they were, it made me want to pitch in and do my bit, too. I really hope that with more generous donations they’ll be able to help a lot more children.”
