Organization: Sense International Kenya
Title: Strengthening early detection and referral for childhood hearing loss.
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
Strengthening early detection and referral for childhood hearing loss.
Description:
In collaboration with the Kwale County Government, the County Health Management Team, and the Ministry of Education, Sense International Kenya will conduct a one-day integrated hearing health outreach activity aimed at promoting early identification of hearing loss and improving access to hearing care services for children through a coordinated community, school, and health service approach. This is an ongoing county program that provides ear and hearing screening for children from birth through 18 years of age. Screening services are integrated into routine hospital service delivery, particularly during immunization visits and regular child health check-ups, ensuring early identification of ear and hearing challenges as part of standard pediatric care.
World Hearing Day – One Day Activity Structure
Community Awareness and Sensitization (Morning Session)
The day will begin with a community sensitization walk designed to increase awareness of ear and hearing health. The walk will incorporate structured educational messaging focusing on causes of hearing loss, prevention measures including safe listening practices, and the importance of early screening, diagnosis, and intervention for children.
Information, Education, and Communication materials, including posters and leaflets, will be distributed to households and placed in key community locations such as health centres, markets, and places of worship. Community structures including religious institutions and community health service points will support identification and referral of children who may require hearing services.
Community and School-Based Hearing Screening (Mid-Morning to Afternoon)
Following sensitization activities, hearing screening services will be provided at a central outreach site hosted within a selected community school. The site will serve children from the host school, neighbouring schools, and children referred through community health centres and community structures.
Trained hearing screeners will conduct hearing screening using standardized protocols to ensure quality and consistency. Audiologists will be present to provide technical supervision and conduct immediate diagnostic hearing assessments for children who do not pass the initial screening.
Diagnostic Assessment, Referral, and Care Linkage (Afternoon Session)
Children requiring further evaluation will receive comprehensive diagnostic hearing assessments. Based on assessment outcomes, children diagnosed with hearing loss will be guided into appropriate care pathways.
Children identified as suitable candidates for amplification will be referred for hearing aid fitting and rehabilitation support. Where additional medical or rehabilitation services are required, referrals will be made to relevant service providers to ensure continuity of care beyond the outreach day.
Expected One-Day Outcomes
Increased community awareness of ear and hearing health
Increased demand for early hearing screening services
Early identification of children with possible hearing loss
Immediate diagnostic confirmation for children who fail screening
Strengthened referral pathways linking community, education, and health services
Primary site: AFR – Kenya
Region: AFR
Secondary sites:N/A
General Photos
Types of Engagement:
Live event: No
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: persons with disabilities (including hearing loss), children and adolescents, indigenous communities, rural or remote population
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: No
WHO educational and social media used: