August 11, 2025
Hearing screening launched in Tzu Chi’s Free Clinic Services
By Joy Rojas
The public can now avail of hearing screening at Tzu Chi Philippines’ Free Clinic Services located at the ground floor of Synergy Hall, Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila. The next ENT clinic is on Friday, August 29, from 9am to 12 pm.
Launched on August 8, the hearing screening is conducted by Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists and clinical audiologists Drs. Joyce Rodvie Sagun and Kristine Layson. Hearing screening includes the examination of the ear canal and ear drum using an otoscope, as well as the evaluation of a patient’s hearing through an audiology booth and diagnostic audiometer.
“We started hearing screening in a quiet room,” says Layson. “We’re very happy we have full equipment to maximize our free services for hearing and audiological evaluation.”
The doctors first partnered with Tzu Chi for World Hearing Day in 2024. “We really pushed to have a hearing arm in Tzu Chi because we saw how the foundation cares for its patients. That’s what we like about Tzu Chi,” says Sagun. “As an ENT doctor and clinical audiologist, I really saw a need for hearing screening because it’s hard for patients to access hearing tests.”
Purchasing hearing aids is a challenge too, given their high cost. To address this, the doctors reconnected with generous individuals from Australia, who are willing to donate these life-changing devices.
According to studies, 1 in 7 Filipinos (or 15% of the population) suffers from moderate to severe hearing loss, and close to half of seniors aged 65 and up face significant hearing challenges.
“Hearing isn’t diagnosed unless the patient has pain or needs to be checked for an infection,” says Layson. “Tzu Chi’s hearing screening is an invitation for everyone to come here and have their hearing tested so we can give an early diagnosis and proper rehabilitation. The ultimate goal is to help a lot of people in terms of ear and hearing wellness.”
Tzu Chi’s Free Clinic Services include consultations for general medicine; pediatrics; Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT); physical therapy; and acupuncture. To schedule an appointment, click. https://tzuchi.org.ph/free-clinic.
At the launch of the hearing screening of Tzu Chi’s Free Clinic Services, Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez (center) is one of the first patients to avail of the testing conducted by ENT doctors and clinical audiologists Joyce Rodvie Sagun (left) and Kristine Layson (right).
Dr. Joyce Rodvie Sagun fits headphones on Tzu Chi Philippines CEO Henry Yuñez inside the audiology booth.
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists and clinical audiologists Drs. Joyce Rodvie Sagun (left) and Kristine Layson evaluate a patient’s hear capacity using a diagnostic audiometer.
Dr. Kristine Layson checks a patient’s hearing aid.
Dr. Joyce Rodvie Sagun uses an otoscope to check on the inner ear of Larry Velasquez, former Tzu Chi compliance officer and head of housekeeping.
During an ear examination, Larry Velasquez, former Tzu Chi compliance officer and head of housekeeping, watches images of his inner ear from a laptop screen.