Overcoming Challenges in Education, Twin Brothers Hope to Improve Hearing for a Brighter Career Future!

24-year-old twin brothers have faced bilateral hearing impairment since childhood, but they never let it hinder their pursuit of education. Their perseverance paid off when they successfully completed their bachelor's degrees. Now, they are seeking to raise RM206,000 to each receive a single-sided cochlear implant, which will significantly improve their hearing and help them adapt better to the workplace.

Hailing from Bayan Lepas, Penang, 24-year-old twin brothers Chan Jia Bin (elder brother) and Chan Jia Jie (younger brother) were diagnosed with Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss from an early age. They began using hearing aids at the ages of 3 and 5, respectively. However, last year, after entering the workforce, the younger brother noticed a further decline in his hearing. Upon visiting the hospital together, doctors recommended that both brothers undergo single-sided cochlear implants to improve their hearing.

Following the doctor's advice, Chan Jia Bin is set to receive an implant in his left ear, while Chan Jia Jie will have one in his right ear. This procedure will not only prevent further deterioration of their hearing but also significantly enhance their ability to communicate with others. However, the high medical costs pose the greatest challenge in their journey to better hearing. Therefore, they are earnestly seeking public donations to help raise RM206,000 for their medical expenses.

【Without Cochlear Implants, Our Hearing Will Gradually Decline With Age, Until One Day We Will Be Completely Deaf】

Chan Jia Bin, the older brother, graduated in October last year with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is currently unemployed. Chan Jia Jie, the younger brother, completed his Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in June last year and started working in July. He is currently employed at a technology company as a PCB Layout Engineer.

At the age of 3, most children are able to speak short sentences of 3 to 4 words, but both brothers were unable to speak, which worried their parents. They took them to the hospital for a checkup, and the results showed that the twins had hearing loss due to abnormalities in their inner ears. At that time, the older brother’s hearing loss was more severe, and he received a pair of hearing aids with the help of the hospital. The younger brother’s condition was milder, and he didn’t start wearing hearing aids until the age of 5, and has been receiving regular follow-ups ever since.

In September last year, the younger brother noticed a decline in his hearing, which was affecting his work. After seeking medical attention with his brother, they learned that their hearing would continue to deteriorate as they aged, and that hearing aids would no longer be effective. The doctors recommended cochlear implants for both, in the ear with the most severe hearing loss. In October, they underwent hearing tests, language tests, CT scans, and MRIs, all of which showed that both were suitable candidates for cochlear implant surgery.

Their father, Chan Teik Loon (65), is a delivery driver earning only RM1,350 per month. Their mother, Lim Chai Har (59), is a homemaker. In addition to the twins, they have a married 30-year-old daughter. Currently, the household expenses are shared between the father and the younger son, Jia Jie, who also has to pay off two car loans each month, leaving them unable to afford the high medical costs.

After a home visit and review, One Hope Charity has decided to initiate a fundraising campaign to help raise the necessary funds for Chan Jia Bin and Chan Jia Jie’s medical expenses.  Additionally, RM10,000 will be allocated from our Emergency Medical & Contingency Fund for immediate support. For any inquiries or donation intentions, please contact the following hotlines: 04-539 9212, 016-419 2192, 019-232 2192, 018-911 4192.