A mom brought her approximately eight-year-old daughter to Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh to have her ears cleaned. She noted that her daughter had long-standing trouble hearing and thought ear wax was the cause.
No ear wax was detected in the exam, but the rest of the history and exam was notable for fluid behind both ear drums, nasal congestion and mouth breathing, chronic sinus problems, snoring, and disturbed sleep. These symptoms were consistent with enlarged/obstructing adenoids. A prompt referral was made to CHP ENT for a formal audiogram, ENT and sleep evaluation, and probable ear tube placement with adenoidectomy.
“In summary, the opportunity that Mission of Mercy provided to check her ears led to identification of other related ENT issues, which may very well lead to substantial benefits in her sleep, breathing, and quality of life,” said Ryan J. Soose, MD, Director, Sleep Division and Director, UPMC Mercy ENT. “Mom was very happy!”
Stories like this are the rule, not the exception, at Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh. The Eye & Ear Foundation in partnership with Call to Care hosts this annual two-day event that provides free care for vision, hearing, and dental for ages two and up. This year it was held November 1-2, 2024.
“On Friday and Saturday, the eye care community in Pittsburgh came together and stepped up for our neighbors in need,” said Jake Waxman, MD, PhD, Director, UPMC Eye Center Mercy. “We prescribed and ordered glasses. We diagnosed cataracts, macular degeneration, macular holes and diabetic retinopathy. We arranged for follow up care and helped people apply for funding.”
He went on to say that as large as the numbers are, everyone was treated as a person and not a number.
“We have had hearing as part of MoM here in Pittsburgh for the past three years,” said Catherine Palmer, PhD, Director, UPMC Audiology, during the event. “We started with a couple hundred people getting hearing aids. Last year we were up to 254 people receiving hearing aids. More than 400 had hearing tests. We’re well on our way this year to eclipse those numbers. A lot of people need hearing help. Unfortunately, these things are not covered by insurance and can be out of reach for people.”
Indeed, 401 people had hearing tests this year, with 289 receiving hearing aids and 576 total hearing aids given away. Orientation information and connectivity help were also provided. Otology saw 107 patients. The Vision clinic served 693 patients and ordered 552 pairs of glasses. Eyeglass pick up day is December 5 at the Vision Institute.
“It is SO good to hear again!” exclaimed one of the people fit with hearing aids.