By Hyline Ocharo
As the world marks World Hearing Day, health experts in Kisii County have sounded the alarm over increasing cases of hearing problems among children.
The Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital held an awareness session on Monday to educate patients about proper ear care and the importance of early medical intervention.
Dr. Geofrey Otomu, Head of the ENT Department, noted that many people neglect ENT care, leading to sudden hearing loss, particularly among young children.
“Parents must be keen when babies show signs of impaired hearing so that they can be treated early and avoid long-term complications,” he said.
He cautioned against exposing children to loud music through earphones at an early age, warning that the habit significantly contributes to hearing damage.
Dr. Otomu also criticized the widespread practice of self-medication, urging the public to avoid purchasing over-the-counter drugs without proper diagnosis.
“People should avoid buying drugs without knowing the exact problem. It is important to visit a specialist first to establish the cause and get proper medication,” he advised.
The hospital reaffirmed its commitment to raising awareness within the community to ensure children receive timely hearing care, in line with this year’s global theme.
The theme of this year is “From Communities to Classrooms: Hearing Care for All Children.”
