Hear and Now: How Manila Hearing Aid guarantees a sound future for every Filipino

With principles built on family values, the clinic also serves as a hub for education and advocacy, guaranteeing that hearing health is prioritised in a country where it often takes a backseat to other medical concerns.

“Hearing loss is usually at the bottom of the list when it comes to healthcare,” Dr Liza notes. “But untreated hearing issues can lead to social isolation, cognitive decline, and emotional distress. It’s time we change that mindset.”

Hearing problems affect nearly one in six Filipinos. Often, it’s family members who notice first, as loved ones struggle with conversations, raise their voices, or unknowingly withdraw, ultimately affecting relationships, careers, and overall quality of life.

“People often wait too long before seeking help,” Dr Joel says, emphasising the importance of early detection and intervention. “They don’t notice because it’s gradual. Many times, it’s the relatives who recognise the problem first.”

Dr Joel has observed that individuals with hearing difficulties often unconsciously lean in, speak louder, or turn their heads to position an ear closer to the speaker. In doing so, they lose eye contact—along with the deeper, more genuine moments that come from face-to-face exchanges. This is why Manila Hearing Aid believes in helping people “hear life’s special moments”, because every conversation is an opportunity to connect.

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Understanding that every patient has unique needs, Manila Hearing Aid customises its approach to suit different demographics. For the elderly, the clinic focuses on user-friendly solutions and family counselling to help them adapt to hearing aids. For children and young adults, the team works closely with families to support education, social integration, and speech development.

“When a patient comes in, it’s not instantly selling a standard device,” Dr Liza explains. “We ask about their lifestyles, understand their struggles, and determine what they need to hear better. We guide them through the whole process.”

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Multiple factors contribute to hearing problems, such as prolonged exposure to loud noises, which is the leading cause of acquired loss. There are also factors such as chronic infections, ageing, genetics, and conditions like diabetes and hypertension that contribute to auditory decline.

On top of these risks is a stigma attached to hearing aids—a fear of being perceived as weak. Manila Hearing Aid aims to change that perception. “We remind our patients that hearing aids are empowerment tools. They allow people to fully engage in conversations, maintain independence, and live without limitations,” says Dr Liza.

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As pioneers of hearing healthcare in the Philippines, Manila Hearing Aid continues to bring the latest world-class innovations, ensuring every patient receives the best possible care.

Their offerings include Phonak Hearing Aids, a Swiss brand known for its advanced technology, seamless connectivity, and exceptional speech clarity. Oticon Hearing Aids, a Danish company, revolutionised auditory care with BrainHearing™ technology and AI-driven sound processing, delivering a more natural listening experience. They also utilise Interacoustics diagnostic equipment, a global leader in audiological diagnostics, providing top-tier solutions for hearing and balance assessments. This helps to ensure accurate and reliable diagnoses.

One of the latest breakthroughs is AI-powered hearing aids, like the Oticon Intent and Phonak Infinio Sphere, which adapts intelligently to different listening environments. Manila Hearing Aid conducts a unique fitting process in a controlled environment to enhance patient comfort and device performance.

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Through cutting-edge technology and personalised care, Manila Hearing Aid goes beyond simply restoring hearing—it restores lives. As the clinic nears its 50th anniversary, its mission remains unchanged: to provide people with the tools they need to hear life’s special moments.

Hearing aids do more than amplify sound—they reconnect people to their families, careers, and passions, restoring confidence and independence.

“While we honour my father’s pioneering vision, we are also pushing boundaries to redefine hearing healthcare in the Philippines through advocating for hearing health awareness,” Dr Joel stresses. “By embracing digitalisation and strategic partnerships, we ensure that Manila Hearing Aid remains at the forefront of the industry.”

Dr Liza echoes this advocacy. She says, “We are exploring ways to bring hearing care to more Filipinos, especially those in remote areas. We want to make it easier for people to get checked, get fitted, and start hearing better.”

For all your hearing healthcare needs, visit the Manila Hearing Aid website or drop by any of its 16 clinics nationwide. Stay updated by following its social media pages.

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