Government Launches Ear and Hearing Care Programme to Boost Early Detection of Hearing Loss
He noted that hearing loss affects more than one million Kenyans and warned that undetected cases can have lasting effects on communication, education and social inclusion.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched a national Ear and Hearing Care Programme at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), describing it as a major step toward improving access to hearing services and strengthening the early detection of hearing loss across Kenya.
Speaking during the launch, Duale said the initiative combines research, innovation and strategic partnerships to address long-standing gaps in hearing healthcare, particularly for children and vulnerable populations.
“This is a very important initiative for a section of our society. It demonstrates how research, innovation and strategic partnerships can close long-standing gaps in healthcare delivery,” Duale said.
He noted that hearing loss affects more than one million Kenyans and warned that undetected cases can have lasting effects on communication, education and social inclusion.
“Hearing loss affects more than one million Kenyans. If left undetected, it can have very long-lasting consequences for communication, education and social inclusion,” he said.
According to the Cabinet secretary, community and school-based screening programmes have already identified more than 900 children with hearing challenges, while over 100 children have received hearing aids through KUTRRH.
He added that approximately 80 high-risk newborns have undergone hearing screening, demonstrating the potential of integrating hearing assessments into routine newborn healthcare.
“I am encouraged that the school and community screening programme has already identified more than 900 children with hearing needs. More than 100 children have received hearing aids at KUTRRH, while about 80 high-risk newborns have undergone hearing screening,” Duale said.
A key component of the programme is the establishment of what the ministry says will be Kenya’s first structured universal newborn hearing screening service within the public healthcare system.
The service will focus on screening infants during the first months of life to enable early diagnosis and timely intervention for children born with hearing impairment or those at high risk of developing hearing loss.
“KUTRRH will establish the first structured universal newborn hearing screening service within the public health system. Early detection within the first months of life will ensure children receive the care they need during the most critical stages of development,” Duale said.
He said the programme aligns with the government’s Every Woman, Every Newborn (EWENE) agenda, which seeks to improve maternal and newborn health while promoting healthy childhood development.
Health experts say early identification of hearing loss significantly improves language development, educational achievement and social integration by allowing children to receive treatment, hearing devices and specialized support at an early age.
The Ministry of Health said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen specialized healthcare services, improve preventive care and expand access to quality health services under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage programme.
Officials expressed optimism that integrating hearing screening into routine maternal and newborn care will help reduce preventable disabilities and improve long-term health outcomes for thousands of children across the country.
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