The Ear Drop Operation Project, an initiative dedicated to restoring hearing, recently facilitated approximately 40 patients to undergo free ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeries at Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital.
This effort addresses the significant challenge of treating ENT ailments in Kenya, especially among rural populations.
Joseph Mburu, one of the patients, shared his experience after undergoing hours of intensive ENT surgery at the hospital.
He recounted that his hearing ailment initially affected one ear, leading to pus discharge before extending to the other ear, causing complete hearing impairment. Mburu expressed hope for a normal life after the successful treatment.
Kennedy Ndegwa, another recipient of the free ear surgery, hailed from Nyahururu and suffered from hearing loss since childhood. He expressed joy and gratitude for the rare opportunity to regain his hearing, describing the surgery as a lifesaver.
Catherine Wambui, referred from Nakuru County to Nanyuki Hospital, emphasized the hospital’s improved health service delivery.
She had struggled with hearing loss since childhood and now held hopes for a happier life after the operation.
Dr. Sammy Kilonzo, the CEO of Nanyuki Hospital, highlighted the significant cost of hearing loss treatment, which could amount to around Sh250,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
He noted that hearing loss was prevalent in rural areas and expressed gratitude for partnerships with other hospitals, which enabled the provision of free surgeries through advanced equipment.
Dr. David Njoroge, an ENT surgeon based in Nanyuki, explained that common hearing problems could stem from infections, tumors, injuries, and complete deafness.
To address these issues, the Operation Ear Drop Project joined forces with Nanyuki Hospital to conduct the free ear surgery medical camp.
Dr. Njoroge underscored the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for ENT problems to prevent worsening conditions. The collaboration between Nanyuki Hospital and Operation Ear Drop Project has resulted in approximately 250 ear surgeries since its inception in 2010.
While hearing loss statistics remain concerning, efforts like the Ear Drop Operation Project play a vital role in providing much-needed medical support to those in need.
According to the 2022 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) health demographic survey, about 3.5 to 4.5 percent of both males and females experience hearing loss.
Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that five percent of the global population, approximately 430 million individuals, require rehabilitation to address disabling hearing loss, with over 80 percent hailing from low and middle-income countries.
