‘Invest in training of audiologists’

Ruth Chipayi Health Reporter
ZIMBABWE must invest into the training of audiologists to cater for people with hearing impairments, a Government official has said. In a speech read on his behalf by principal director curative services Mr Christopher Tapfumaneyi, at the launch of Community Hearing Health Care Mission in Harare on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Retired Brigadier General Dr Gerald Gwinji said there was need to train more audiologists.

“In Zimbabwe we have nine ear, nose and throat surgeons and 5 audiologists, with only one audiologist in the Government service. These specialists, who are based at central hospitals, provide specialist ear services that include ear care and treatment, diagnostic audiometry, speech audiometry and provision of hearing aids.

Audiologists are health-care professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders in newborn babies, children, and adults.

“Currently we do not have training for audiologists in the country. Efforts are underway to establish a programme at the local university,” he said.

He said the community hearing health care mission would further enhance vocational prospects and quality of life for people with hearing impairments.

Speaking at the same occasion, national advisor on disability issues in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Retired Brigadier General Dr Felix Muchemwa, said the shortage of audiometric equipment had caused problems in detecting early hearing disability.

“Many hospitals do not have basic instruments to diagnose hearing ability of a child at birth, therefore, making it difficult to detect the problem at an early stage. Therefore, audiometric instruments are needed to help those with hearing problems,” he said.

Meanwhile, 276 adults and children received hearing aids donated by Starkey Hearing Foundation.

Hearing impairment and deafness is among the top five disability categories in the country.