On 6th June 2022, the Otolaryngology society in Uganda (OSU) held its scientific annual meeting at the Serena Kigo Conference arena. This annual symposium engages Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) professionals and students across the globe to contemplate on challenges affecting the profession and how best they can be resolved using technology and research.
This year’s edition was themed “Improving ENT practice and training in Uganda” putting at center stage with evaluation the developed science in reference to the theme and the unclosed gaps that require immediate intervention.
During the event, Mrs. Fiona Kamya, the Managing Director of Kampala Audiology and Speech Centre presented the findings of her research that sought answers to a paradox in children with absence of Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) related to a child’s brain response to sound and its ability of transience.
Mrs. Kamya’s research revealed that 50% of children with this issue regain normal hearing before making it to 6 months. “I would like to caution fellow audiologists not to rush using behavioral testing on children before 6months because they pronounce people’s children deaf when they are actually not”, she added.
The study findings also revealed that improvement in children who had Auditory Brainstem Response (ABRS) occurred from 7 months to 2.5years. For proper management of such cases, hearing surveillance is very important and should be systematic and at short intervals not forgetting speech and language monitoring. Mrs. Kamya also urged audiologists to always be skillful and professional in their communication with patients and their parents so that they are careful not to cause emotional trauma to the patients or their parents.
Kampala Audiology and Speech Center, together with the MED-EL team also showcased state-of-the-art programable assisted hearing technologies including cochlear implants, sound bridges and hearing aids
Dr. Chris Tumuhairwe, the president of Otolaryngology society in Uganda (OSU) reported on what was accomplished during his tenure. the short time it has been in existence including full formal registration and Collaboratory avenues. Thanked senior colleagues in the profession for the mentorship and guidance in serving the society.
Professor William Bazeyo, the chairperson Makerere University Research and Innovations fund and the National Research fund was the guest speaker at the event, he urged ENT professionals to interest themselves in competing for funding from the available donors and government if they are to impact the societies they serve.
The Otolaryngology society in Uganda (OSU) works in partnership with SmileTrain, Shreeji Pharmaceuticals, Buffalo Healthcare, Uganda Cancer Institute, MED-EL, Crown Healthcare and the Atlas Audio and media.