Kampala-Uganda. Nicholas Muwanguzi, aged 23, began life like any other typical child. However, at the age of 6, tragedy struck when a quack nurse at a local clinic administered multiple injections of a quinine overdose to treat a minor fever.
This unfortunate incident left Muwanguzi completely deaf and unable to speak, as it severely damaged his hearing and communication abilities. Consequently, this youth now relies on sign language to convey his thoughts and emotions.
Despite his family’s efforts to explore various alternatives including hearing aids, specialists who examined him determined that the nerves had sustained irreparable damage, eliminating any possibility of him regaining his hearing.
Unlike some of the 400 million people worldwide who might have hope for hearing aids, Muwanguzi’s situation is different.
In an attempt to enhance his communication skills, Muwanguzi’s family enrolled him in a deaf school, where he learned sign language and became skilful at lip reading.
As the world celebrated World Hearing Day on Sunday (March 3), Muwanguzi said his journey reflects a unique struggle, and further highlights the importance of understanding the individual challenges faced by those affected by hearing impairment.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), only 20 percent have access to these crucial devices due to a combination of financial constraints, limited human resources, and pervasive societal stigma.
As approaches, the WHO stresses the urgency of tackling this growing problem and unveils new guidelines to overcome barriers hindering hearing aid accessibility.
Dr. Shelly Chadha, in charge of WHO’s work on the prevention of deafness and hearing loss, stated that only one out of five people are accessing hearing rehabilitation for those who need it. “The global shortage of hearing care specialists is identified as a significant obstacle, contributing to the dire situation,” he said.
By 2050, projections indicate that nearly 2.5 billion people will experience some level of hearing loss, with at least 700 million requiring hearing rehabilitation. Additionally, over one billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.
WHO’s New Approach
To address these challenges, WHO is rethinking the provision of hearing aid services, especially in areas with limited resources. The organization is advocating for task-sharing between highly trained specialists and non-specialists who undergo specific training.
This new approach aims to expand hearing aid services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the shortage of human resources is most acute. The economic impact of unaddressed hearing issues is staggering, with an estimated annual fiscal loss of nearly $1 trillion globally.
Surprisingly, the WHO suggests that an additional investment of less than $1.40 per person per year could significantly scale up ear and hearing care services. Over 10 years, this modest investment could yield a return of nearly $16 for every dollar spent.
Challenges Beyond Resources
While human resource shortages and inadequate financing contribute to the hearing aid crisis, societal misperceptions and stigmatizing attitudes pose equally formidable challenges.
Dr. Chadha notes that deeply ingrained myths, such as the belief that only older individuals experience hearing loss or that hearing aids are invariably expensive and ineffective, hinder efforts to address this issue.
Countering Myths, Prejudices
Even in regions where testing, hearing aids, and rehabilitation services are available and free through the health system, people often do not access these essential services.
Dr. Chadha emphasizes the need to dispel myths and challenge stereotypes surrounding hearing loss. World Hearing Day serves as a platform for WHO to raise awareness, debunk misconceptions, and encourage more people to seek life-improving assistance.
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