Call to stop using traditional remedies to treat children with hearing complications

MTWARA: PARENTS and the wider community have been urged to stop using traditional remedies to treat ear problems in children and instead take them to health facilities for proper care, particularly for those with hearing challenges.

The appeal was made by the Regional Commissioner of Mtwara, Colonel Donald Msengi, during the national celebrations of World Hearing Day, held at the Southern Zone Referral Hospital Grounds in Mtwara. The theme of the event was “From Family to Classroom: Hearing Services for All Children.”

Colonel Msengi emphasized that every child has the right to hear, be heard, and thrive fully. He stated that the theme highlights two key priorities: preventing avoidable hearing loss and ensuring early detection. “More than 60percent of childhood hearing loss can be prevented,” he said.

He also urged parents to seek professional medical help whenever they notice early signs of ear problems, such as fluid discharge or reduced hearing. Colonel Msengi stressed that parents are the first to detect ear issues in their children and should remain close to monitor their growth and development.

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Additionally, he called on the public to abandon misconceptions that deafness or hearing challenges are caused by curses or that people with hearing impairments lack intelligence. He noted that such beliefs contribute to stigma, hinder children’s development, and can lead to difficulties in speech, poor school performance, and challenges in future employment.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health representative, Dr Mwinyikondo Juma Amiri, emphasized the importance of protecting ear health by avoiding low-quality hearing devices, such as substandard earphones, and reducing exposure to noisy environments.