“Sounds at school and home became muffled. I struggled to catch complete sentences from my teachers and others,” she recalled.A hospital check-up revealed that Yi Zhen had suffered hearing loss in both ears.Eventually, she underwent a life-changing cochlear implantation in her right ear which improved her hearing.“The implant brought a ray of hope. I could hear clearly again, even if only through one ear.
She couldn’t shake off her fear that her hearing had worsened. A visit to the doctor confirmed her hearing had deteriorated, with a diagnosis of moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss.The doctor recommended getting a cochlear implant in herShe is scheduled to undergo the surgery at Borneo Medical Centre in early August.
Yi Zhen comes from a single-parent family and her mother Pan Lim only earns RM1,900 monthly as a factory worker.Pan said, “The cost is beyond our means. I hope Yi Zhen can have the surgery so she can concentrate on her studies and pursue her dream of becoming a counsellor.”Those who wish to help can channel donations to the Star Foundation-Medical Fund Public Bank account via bank transfer.Excess funds will be used for the next eligible patient.