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Organization: Doctors Of Hearing – Kenya
Title: World Hearing Day Report – Muranga County, Maragua Level 4 Hospital
Alternate tite:
World Hearing Day report – Muranga County, Maragua Level 4 Hospital
Description:
Doctors of Hearing – Kenya
World Hearing Day Report – Murang’a County, Maragua Level 4 Hospital
Date: 19th March 2025
Location: Maragua Level 4 Hospital, Murang’a County
Total Patients Seen: 459
Overview
Doctors of Hearing – Kenya participated in World Hearing Day at Maragua Level 4 Hospital, Murang’a County, as part of our ongoing commitment to raising awareness about hearing health and providing diagnostic services to underserved communities. The event was a significant success, with a total of 459 patients receiving comprehensive hearing assessments and ENT evaluations.
Findings and Diagnosis
From the total number of patients screened and evaluated:
• 89.9% (412 patients) were diagnosed with Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL).
o Among children, all cases of SNHL were congenital, indicating a need for early intervention and potential cochlear implant or hearing aid support.
o Four pediatric cases were attributed to ototoxicity, underscoring the importance of monitoring medication use in children and advocating for safer alternatives where possible.
o In adults, SNHL was observed in varying degrees, with many cases likely linked to prolonged noise exposure, aging (presbycusis), or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
• 10.1% (46 patients) presented with ENT-related cases, including:
o Wax impaction: A common and easily treatable condition, highlighting the need for routine ear hygiene education.
o Eardrum perforation: Noted in several patients, often resulting from infections, trauma, or chronic middle ear conditions.
o Foreign bodies in the ear and nose: Mostly observed in children, requiring careful extraction procedures.
o Nose bleeding (epistaxis): Some cases were related to underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, while others were due to nasal trauma or infections.
Interventions and Recommendations
• Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices:
o Patients diagnosed with moderate to severe SNHL were counseled on hearing aid options, with referrals made for hearing aid fitting and rehabilitation.
o Congenital SNHL cases were referred to specialized centers for further assessment and early intervention strategies, including cochlear implantation evaluation where applicable.
• Medical and Surgical Interventions:
o Patients with eardrum perforations and chronic infections were referred to ENT specialists for further management.
o Foreign bodies were successfully removed from affected patients, with caregivers advised on prevention strategies.
• Public Awareness and Preventive Measures:
o Patients and caregivers were educated on ear hygiene, the dangers of self-medication, and the importance of early detection and treatment of hearing issues.
o Advocacy for hearing conservation programs was emphasized, particularly in workplaces and schools, to minimize noise-induced hearing loss.
Conclusion
The World Hearing Day event at Maragua Level 4 Hospital was highly impactful, reinforcing the need for continued hearing healthcare outreach programs, especially in rural and underserved areas. The high prevalence of SNHL, particularly congenital cases, calls for improved neonatal hearing screening programs and early intervention services.
Doctors of Hearing – Kenya remains committed to advocating for better hearing health and ensuring accessible audiological services for all. We extend our gratitude to all healthcare professionals, volunteers, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of this event.
Prepared by:
Richard Mwangi
Consultant Audiologist
Msc., Clin. Au. D & Hearing Therapy – (ESP),
Adv. Audiology PGDip – (NL).
Primary site: AFR – Kenya
Secondary sites: Muranga County
Impactful Story:
Shared on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3T22BT0Owo&t=7s
General Photos
Types of Engagement:
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations: Hearing impairment for older and young children. The people in this area cannot afford to buy even a basic hearing aids
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: Yes