Deaf footballer's life turns on a dime in Dubai

Dubai - Mdiaye was one of the people who received hearing aids from UAE-based firm Starkey Hearing Technologies

Senegalese footballer Mame Mdiaye was able to hear clearly for the first time when he came to the UAE for the Special Olympics three months ago. Now, in a recent visit to Senegal, officials of a UAE-based firm saw firsthand how his life has changed.
Mdiaye was one of the people who received hearing aids from UAE-based firm Starkey Hearing Technologies, during the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi.
When Starkey officials flew to his country to check how he was doing, an emotional Mdiaye communicated that he was thankful to the UAE, for turning his life into a happier one.
"To see many of these athletes hear for the very first time in their lives was a gratifying achievement for us (Starkey Hearing Technologies). We are glad to have made that lasting difference in their lives," Giscard Bechara, director of Starkey MEA FZCO, told Khaleej Times.
"Each success story was unique and the emotions had no boundaries for us, the athletes and for their families."
A total of 260 Special Olympics athletes from across 67 countries are now able to hear clearly through the hearing aids provided by Starkey Hearing Technologies.
Some of these athletes had partial hearing loss which was then completely rectified.
During the Special Olympics World Games, Mdiaye visited the 'healthy hearing' pavilion, where a thorough screening was done by Starkey Hearing Technologies.
Back then, the team was confident that he would be able to overcome his disabilities if he was fitted with a hearing aid - and that's what they did.
As part of the firm's normal routine, the team keeps track of the progress made by the people who have been supported by their hearing aids, Bechara said.
"There is a regular follow-up that is needed, as these people are experiencing a new world of hearing for the very first time. Our volunteers make regular visits and help them to integrate well into the society so that they can lead a normal and fulfilling life.
"We are confident, that as a footballer, he can now add more value to his team and score some match-winning goals," Bechara added. Mdiaye, who also missed out on his schooling because he couldn't hear or speak clearly, is a great entertainer and one of the most-loved members in his football team.
Mdiaye's coach Assane Thiam said: "We never thought that a miracle of this sort will happen to our team member. This was unbelievable and surreal for us.
"We are so happy for him now and delighted to know that he will have a much fulfilling journey ahead. The whole Senegal football team was in tears when we saw this happen."
saman@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai