Prevention of Hearing Impairment
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- Dr. Piet van Hasselt, examines Frederine's ear bandage (Madagascar). © CBM
According to the WHO, there are 250 million people worldwide who have moderate or worse hearing loss in their better ear. Two-thirds of these come from developing countries. CBM aims to reduce substantially the large number of people with hearing impairment by supporting available prevention methods.
CBM fights the cause
The most common cause of hearing impairment of children in developing countries is otitis media. In most cases disability could be avoided by early identification and treatment of the disease. Therefore CBM promotes the provision of Primary Ear and Hearing Care as part of Primary Health Care, and the screening of infants and children, e.g. at under-5 clinics and schools.
There is a huge lack of help for people with hearing impairment in developing countries. CBM supports the provision of hearing aids and services to fit them for the most needy children and adults in these countries.
Active in many ways
CBM is also conducting campaigns to raise public awareness and promote health education at an early age. Furthermore, CBM promotes training of health workers and volunteers for work in the field. These are just a few of the measures being taken. CBM is active in many ways to prevent deafness or hearing impairment.
CBM fights the cause
The most common cause of hearing impairment of children in developing countries is otitis media. In most cases disability could be avoided by early identification and treatment of the disease. Therefore CBM promotes the provision of Primary Ear and Hearing Care as part of Primary Health Care, and the screening of infants and children, e.g. at under-5 clinics and schools.
There is a huge lack of help for people with hearing impairment in developing countries. CBM supports the provision of hearing aids and services to fit them for the most needy children and adults in these countries.
Active in many ways
CBM is also conducting campaigns to raise public awareness and promote health education at an early age. Furthermore, CBM promotes training of health workers and volunteers for work in the field. These are just a few of the measures being taken. CBM is active in many ways to prevent deafness or hearing impairment.
In Figures
In 2006
- 99,567 (83,029) people received audiometric examinations
- 37,836 (36,079) otitis media patients were treated
- 1,845 (1,763) ear operations were performed
- 4,290 (4,093) hearing aids were dispensed
- 3,971 (5,551) ear moulds were produced
