On 3rd March 2021, Kampala Audiology and Speech Centre joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Hearing day under the theme “Hearing care for all, screen, rehabilitate & communicate.”
During World Hearing day 2021, Kampala Audiology and Speech Centre carried out free ear screening service to the public from 8:00am to 5:00pm at her offices on Esami house, Bombo Road Kampala. The Centre also held a press briefing to remind the public about hearing loss and proper ear care.
With a global call for action to address ear disease, it is prudent to note that good hearing and communication are important at all stages of life. People with hearing loss find it hard to communicate with their family, respond to instructions and participate in conversations. Many end up withdrawing away and isolating themselves from other people. This can lead to depression and a reduction in self-esteem and confidence.
Audiologists advise that government should integrate person-centered ear and hearing care within the national health plans to ease the cost of accessing the hearing care services so that people can benefit from this.
Currently, there are few companies and organizations covering hearing care under insurance yet hearing loss rectification is still very expensive in Uganda. Ear medication, hearing aids and cochlear implants in Uganda are quite costly because of the high charges imposed during importation.
During the press briefing, Dr. Fiona Kamya, the lead audiologist at Kampala Audiology and Speech Centre called upon companies to include hearing care in the health insurance coverage for their employees to cater for any hearing challenges that they may face.
When asked about the major causes of hearing loss, Dr. Kamya mentioned that most hearing loss occurs at birth due to poor handling of the baby by inexperienced midwives at delivery, motor accidents especially boda boda riders and passengers who ride without helmets. She also stated that loss of hearing can occur because of old age or exposure to noise over a long period of time. Employees that are exposed very loud machinery without ear protection are also susceptible to hearing loss.
Even though very few people know about how to take care of their ears, or where to go in case they experience loss of hearing, the demand is there and is overwhelming. It is also key to note that those that have managed to access this service are very appreciative.
World Hearing Day is a campaign held on 3rd March each year by the World Health Organization. Various activities take place across the globe to celebrate this day and an event is hosted at the World Health Organization on March 3. The goal of World hearing day is to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.