THE gift of hearing is one not taken for granted by children like Astrid Answerth and Ella Marra.

The girls, both aged five, receive treatment at the Varsity Lakes Hear and Say Centre, a not-for-profit organisation that teaches deaf and hearing-impaired children to listen and speak.

The Varsity Lakes centre is holding its annual ball; the largest fundraiser on the calendar for an organisation that needs to raise more than half the funds necessary to complete its amazing work.

Marketing manager Lois Shuttleworth said an average of $50,000 needs to be raised to teach each child. "We need to raise about $10,000 per year over five years to teach one child to listen and speak," she said.

"About 30% of funding comes from the government, about 10% from parents or a Medicare levy, leaving 60% for us to raise through events like this charity ball."

Children are seen from the time they are diagnosed as babies to when they can be given a cochlear implant or other hearing aid at six-10 months of age, participate in auditory-verbal sessions and other counselling, through to the time they are ready to start school.

In 2010, 100% of children leaving the program were able to attend mainstream schools.

Astrid and Ella were both diagnosed with hearing loss within the last year and will both start Prep in mainstream primary schools next year.

The Arabian Nights-themed ball, sponsored by Varsity Lakes Travel and the Robina Mail, will take place on November 19 at Jupiters Casino.

Fundraising co-ordinator Peter Wotherspoon said: "We are still looking for raffle and auction prizes - any donations would be greatly appreciated." Call 0413 507 476.