World Hearing Day: Government urged to waive taxes on hearing aids

As the world observes World Hearing Day, Cornelius Mwanza, the lead audiologist at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), is calling on the government to take urgent action to address the challenges faced by the country's deaf and hard-of-hearing population.

According to Mwanza, Kenya needs to recognise hearing loss as a disability and take concrete steps to make hearing care more accessible for all citizens.

Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice on Monday, Mwanza stressed that the government must prioritise the deaf community, particularly by reducing noise pollution in public spaces, including noisy public vehicles like matatus and public areas.

"There is a need for the government and Kenyans to recognize the deaf population and make their daily lives more comfortable by addressing environmental noise," Mwanza said.

Noise Pollution: A growing problem

Noise pollution is an ongoing issue in many parts of Kenya, especially in urban areas like Nairobi where matatus, busy markets, and noisy public spaces make it difficult for people to maintain good hearing health.

Mwanza highlighted that excessive noise levels can lead to hearing damage, contributing to the growing rates of hearing loss.

"We need to create an environment where noise levels are kept at a comfortable level, not just for the deaf but for everyone," Mwanza emphasized.

"Reducing noise pollution should be a priority to ensure that no one is exposed to unnecessary hearing risk."

Calls for Neonatal hearing care

Mwanza also called for the introduction of neonatal hearing care, which would involve screening newborns for hearing impairments as part of routine health checkups.

This, he believes, would enable early intervention and improve the quality of life for children with hearing impairments.

"Early detection is key," he said.

"If we detect hearing problems at birth, we can give these children the support they need to lead fulfilling lives."

Free screening and hearing aids

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One of the most pressing issues Mwanza addressed was the high cost of hearing aids and the lack of accessible hearing health services in many parts of the country.

He called for the government to introduce free checkups and screening services across Kenya's regions, making it easier for people to get tested for hearing impairments, regardless of where they live.

Mwanza also mentioned the burden that the cost of hearing aids places on families.

"Hearing aids are incredibly expensive, and many people simply cannot afford them," Mwanza said.

"The government needs to waive the taxes on hearing aid applications, as the costs are prohibitive for most families."

Mwanza pointed to the UK's model, where the government provides significant support to citizens with hearing impairments.

"The UK has been a great example of how a government can support its citizens with hearing issues. They provide free hearing aids and offer various subsidies for hearing-related healthcare, making it much easier for people to access the care they need," Mwanza said.

Accessible hearing care at local hospitals

Mwanza also called on the government to ensure that every county in Kenya has access to hearing clinics, particularly at level 3 hospitals.

This would allow people to get timely screening and therapy without having to travel long distances, which is often financially impossible for many families.

"Many parents in rural areas face huge financial challenges when it comes to seeking therapy for their deaf children. Some even have to travel long distances, but they cannot afford the transport costs," he explained.

"This situation needs to be addressed."

Recognising 'hearing loss' as a disability

Mwanza strongly emphasized that hearing loss should be formally recognized as a disability in Kenya.

"Deaf people face significant challenges in accessing education, employment, and other services. They are often overlooked and marginalized," he said.

"We need to ensure that their rights are recognized, just like those of people with other disabilities."

He shared a poignant example of how the lack of support for the deaf community has affected many lives.

"I know of a family where the parents struggled to find a school for their child with hearing loss because there were very few institutions that could provide the necessary care and support. This is just one example of how the system fails to meet the needs of the deaf community."

Making Sign Language training free

Currently, sign language classes are not free in Kenya.

Mwanza also highlighted the need for free sign language training for those who wish to communicate effectively with the deaf.

He pointed out that many people, including parents of deaf children, cannot afford to pay for sign language classes.

"Sign language is vital for communication, but it is expensive for many families. The government needs to step in and make sign language training accessible to everyone," he said.

He added that it is crucial for parents and guardians of deaf individuals to not only introduce them to sign language but also to learn it themselves.

"If parents learn sign language, it bridges the communication gap between them and their children. This can make a huge difference in the lives of deaf children, enabling them to participate more fully in society."

As Kenya observes World Hearing Day, the call for action has never been more urgent.

By providing free screenings, waiving taxes on hearing aids, recognizing hearing loss as a disability, and making sign language training accessible, Kenya can take significant steps toward improving the quality of life for its deaf citizens.

"It is time for us to change the way we think about hearing loss. Let us make sure every Kenyan, regardless of where they live or their financial situation, has access to the care and support they need," Mwanza said.

"We can build a more inclusive society for all."