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Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
Organisations that advocate for the rights of people living with hearing impairments and deafness in Zimbabwe yesterday said early detection and screening of newly born babies as well as schoolchildren reduces future complications.
In an interview yesterday during the World Hearing Day commemorations in Harare, AudioMax (Pvt) Ltd marketing and business development manager Mrs Melissa Kwenda said hearing problems are becoming a big challenge in the country.
She said newly-born babies and children of school-going age should be screened and given early treatment.
AudioMax which has branches in Harare and Mutare offers audiology services, hearing aids dispensing, cochlear implants, speech therapy, custom-made hearing protection, ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultations and hearing healthcare information.
Mrs Kwenda said hearing health services were crucial for the development and well being of people.
“We are working together with our sister organisation Wiz Ear which also focuses mainly on assisting the disadvantaged with hearing impairment and helping them to get devices.
“Early treatment is crucial because hearing loss affects clarity of speech. This year the commemorations were held under the theme; ‘screen, rehabilitate and communicate’,” said Mrs Kwenda.
WizEar finance and administration manager Mr Hillary Chikambi said they were working and mobilising resources to coordinate and facilitate solutions for hearing impairment and deafness disorders for children and disadvantaged communities.
“We are working with Government and we have opened a paediatric audiology unit at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital where we have constructed theatres for ear procedures,” said Mr Chikambi.
Mashambanzou Care Trust advocacy and communications officer, Ms Bessie Siyado said they were offering sign language training to nurses.
“We make sure that people who are living with HIV and also have hearing impairments get correct information, care and treatment services,” said Ms Siyado.
Students from University of Zimbabwe School of Audiology and Speech Therapy said communication is the biggest barrier, especially when dealing with the deaf.
Mr Tapera Rukwanha said: “We should be aware of disability issues so that those living with disabilities do not feel uncomfortable and stigmatised.
“Interacting with them is very crucial so that they feel they are part of us.”
Another student Ms Patience Mhiripiri said the biggest challenge was education as very few teachers were trained in sign language.
“We have very few audiologists in the country and access to information remains a challenge to people with hearing problems”, said Ms Mhiripiri.
World Hearing Day is commemorate on March 3 each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world. It is recognised under the United Nations calendar.
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