•Murang’a County Holds Free Hearing Camp Ahead of World Hearing Day
Health experts have issued a strong call to parents, urging them to prioritize early hearing screening for newborns within the first few days of life.
The appeal was made by Dr. Richard Mwangi, a leading hearing consultant, during a free medical hearing camp held at Maragua Level 4 Hospital in Murang’a County.
Dr. Mwangi emphasized that newborn hearing screening should be conducted before the mother and child are discharged from the hospital.
However, he noted that the practice is not widely implemented, leading to undiagnosed congenital hearing impairments in many children.
“Hearing problems in newborns often result in delayed speech development. Early detection is critical, as it allows for timely intervention and improves a child’s ability to communicate effectively,” he stated.
The medical hearing camp, organized by the County Government of Murang’a in partnership with the Doctors of Hearing Organisation, was part of activities leading up to World Hearing Day, which is observed annually on March 3rd to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote preventive measures.
Hearing Loss Not Limited to Health Issues
Dispelling common misconceptions, Dr. Mwangi stressed that hearing impairment is not necessarily linked to poor health but can be acquired at any stage of life.
He particularly warned about the increasing prevalence of hearing loss among young people, attributing it to excessive noise exposure.
“Our young population is frequently exposed to noise hazards, including loud music and continuous use of headphones at high volumes. This has led to a rising number of cases of noise-induced hearing loss,” he explained.
To mitigate this risk, he advised young people to regulate their headphone volume and limit prolonged use.
“We have recorded an increase in hearing-related issues among youth, which could be prevented by following proper auditory health guidelines,” he added.
Hearing Impairment and Brain Health
Dr. Mwangi also highlighted a growing body of research linking hearing loss to cognitive decline.
He noted that individuals experiencing brain-related health issues often exhibit hearing difficulties, reinforcing the need for regular ear check-ups.
“Brain health must be taken seriously, as conditions affecting cognition can also impact a person’s hearing ability,” he cautioned.
Alarming Cases of Hearing Impairment in Children
A significant takeaway from the hearing camp was the high number of children diagnosed with hearing impairment.
This revelation reinforced the need for early screening, prompting medical experts to urge parents to take immediate action.
Dr. Mwangi further advised against the common practice of inserting objects like earbuds into the ear canal for cleaning.
“No foreign objects should be inserted into the ear. Instead, use a wet towel to clean the outer ear,” he advised.
Support for the Hearing-Impaired Community
The hearing camp provided specialized medical services to Murang’a residents, with audiologists and hearing consultants offering expert care.
Additionally, hearing aids were distributed to individuals diagnosed with hearing loss, ensuring they received the necessary support for improved auditory function.
The initiative also sought to educate the public on various causes of hearing loss, including sudden deafness and noise-induced hearing loss, and emphasized preventive measures to safeguard ear health.
County Government’s Commitment to Ear Health
The Murang’a County Government reiterated its commitment to improving healthcare access, particularly in the field of audiology.
Key county officials in attendance included:
- Faith Njoroge, CECM for Education
- Isaac Karoga, Chief Officer for Medical Services
- Lisper Njoroge, HR Maragua Hospital
- A medical team led by Audiologist Richard Mwangi
In a statement, the county government expressed appreciation for all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the hearing camp.
“We remain committed to raising awareness and enhancing healthcare services to ensure that every resident receives the support they need,” the statement read.
The Way Forward: Prioritizing Ear Health
As World Hearing Day approaches, experts continue to push for policy changes that would make newborn hearing screening a routine procedure in all hospitals.
Meanwhile, individuals are encouraged to protect their hearing health by reducing exposure to loud noise and seeking medical intervention at the earliest signs of hearing difficulties.
With hearing impairment on the rise, both young and old are urged to take proactive steps in preserving their auditory health—because early detection and prevention can make all the difference.
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