Nandi County government in partnership with the Children’s Speech and Hearing Loss Organisation (CHISHLO) has launched an Audiology Centre at Kapsabet County referral hospital
The centre will provide comprehensive hearing-loss screening and testing services to children with hearing loss as young as one-day old through early diagnosis and prevention.
Speaking during the launch, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said his administration is working in collaboration with various partners to identify and address gaps in the health sector for the benefit of locals
He said early detection and intervention of hearing loss and appropriate management in children leads to better speech and language
“We want to eliminate hearing impairment in Nandi County by ensuring we have early detection, accurate diagnosis, and treatment for individuals with hearing difficulties,” he said.
Kapsabet Referral Hospital is the only public hospital after Kenyatta National Hospital to have set up an audiology center with modern equipment which includes a Tympanometer, Audiometer, Visual Reinforcement Audiometer, and ABR machine among others.
Parents with children affected by hearing loss welcomed the idea saying the center will improve the quality of life for all children affected through support, education, and advocacy
They said a child with hearing loss affect not just their closest relatives but those around them as well including teachers, religious leaders, healthcare workers, and members of the community.
“Let us embrace children living with hearing loss and provide a safe space for their parents. The availability and accessibility of support services including speech therapy and educational resources will help children with hearing loss thrive academically and socially. Hearing loss is not a death sentence and children can grow to become self-reliant,” said Janet Mulei, one of the parents.
By Linet Wafula
