A new mobile application, hearWHO, has been introduced in Kenya to allow individuals to monitor their hearing health from home, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative.
Developed as part of World Hearing Day celebrations, the free app became available on March 3, 2019, at Kenyatta National Hospital. It enables users to conduct regular hearing assessments and identify potential issues before they worsen.
Dr. Isaac Wahome, a hearing specialist at Kenyatta National Hospital, emphasized the importance of early detection, stating that the app is crucial for those exposed to loud environments, medication risks, or the elderly. He noted that symptoms like tinnitus, difficulty following conversations, and increased volume usage could indicate early hearing loss.
The app targets individuals at risk, including those working in noisy conditions, using ototoxic medications, or aged 60 and above. Wahome called for expanded access to hearing devices, which range from 30,000 to 700,000 Kenyan shillings in cost, and urged the Ministry of Health to train more personnel for local hearing care services.
Statistical data from a 2007 national survey revealed 12% of Kenyans experienced hearing impairment, with 52% female and 49% male. A 2009 report indicated 3.5% of the population had disabilities, including 14.1% with hearing loss. The Kenya National Association for the Deaf estimates 800,000 people live with disabilities.
