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Hearing Problems Common Among Children in Kisii

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Published on Friday, 03 June 2011 18:05

Hearing problems among children have increased in Kisii, a medical officer said yesterday. Kisii Level-Five Hospital boss Dr Geoffrey Otomu yesterday said this was discovered during a free ear screening and surgery drive at the facility. The three-day campaign was organised by the Rotary Club of Kisii and Operation Ear Drop.

Children made up a huge percentage of the more than 700 patients treated. "We are urging parents and caretakers countrywide to take their children for early screening and treatment to avoid complete deafness," Dr Otomu said. He said deafness badly affects the poor who ignore their conditions until they deteriorate. "We have since received and screened more than 700 cases of which 30 underwent surgery, 10 were referred while others were treated, booked for a clinic and discharged," Dr Otomu said. "Deafness is caused by chronic ear infections, accidents and effects of drug which cause complications to patients," he said.

Flanked by the Rotary Kisii branch's President Peterson Sangania and Rotary International vice chairman Jack Anduvate, Dr Otomu noted that children below 11 years are the most affected. "Deafness is normally a painless disability caused by damage of the hearing mechanism and tends to be ignored. But with enhanced technology, the impairment can be corrected to help patients lead normal lives," Otomu said.

The medical superintendent said his facility is partnering with other stakeholders to treat patients with hearing problems to help them participate in national development.

He said children with extreme cases were recommended for school placement while those who cannot benefit from surgery were advised to use hearing aids.