ENT (ear, nose, and throat ) specialists are witnessing a surge in the number of children between the ages of 2 to 12 years experiencing hearing loss. Experts are expressing concern over the rising cases and urging parents to prioritize early detection and appropriate management of hearing-related issues. However, the cost associated with rectifying these conditions is proving to be a significant barrier.
Dr. Miriam Mutero Musinga, the general manager of CK IHK, highlighted the growing prevalence of hearing loss among children during a consultative women’s meeting held yesterday, March 4, 2024. She emphasized the importance of pregnant mothers attending regular check-ups to better address these concerns.
“Some children are born with underdeveloped ears, particularly premature babies,” Dr. Mutero revealed.
This underdevelopment can contribute to hearing loss and subsequent difficulties in a child’s language acquisition and overall development.
To combat this issue, Dr. Mutero stressed the necessity of routine hearing screening for children. Early identification of hearing loss is vital as it allows for timely management and rehabilitation interventions, ensuring that affected children have the best opportunity for a healthy and full life.
Dr. Mutero further emphasized that the burden of hearing loss in the county currently affects approximately 1.5 million people. Alarmingly, this number is projected to rise to 2.5 million people in the coming years. It is crucial to place increased emphasis on the importance of hearing healthcare and to promote awareness about proactive measures to protect and preserve hearing for everyone.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 466 million people worldwide suffer from disabling hearing loss, with 34 million of these individuals being children. These statistics underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to address this global issue.
