By Johannah Malogadihlare
The Gauteng health department and school health teams have been visiting primary and secondary schools to assess learners in Grade R, 1, 4, 8 and 10 for hearing loss.
A total of 33,813 Grade 1 learners and of 36,008 Grade 8 learners were screened through the Integrated School Health Programme and 875 were identified as having hearing problems.
Out of 875 learners, 334 were issued with hearing aids while the others were referred to local health facilities and hospitals for further treatment.
“It is important that people avoid prolonged exposure to excessive noise and avoid putting anything in the ear canal to prevent hearing loss,” the department said in its news bulletin.
Furthermore, it advised pupils who experienced hearing problems including pain, to visit local health facilities.
“In 2023/2024 financial year, the department issued 6236 hearing aids across healthcare facilities, 32 new cochlear implants were issued to patients who permanently lost their hearing, while 28 patients had their devices upgraded,” the department said.
Section 29 of the Constitution guarantees the right to basic education for all citizens, including children with disabilities.
September is Deaf Awareness Month. It coincides with the International Month for Deaf People in commemoration of the first World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf which took place in September 1951.
INSIDE EDUCATION
