Historic Breakthrough at KNH as Children Experience Sound for the First Time

Kenyatta National Hospital has achieved a historic milestone after successfully activating cochlear implant devices for children born with profound hearing loss.

This followed complex and successful surgeries, marking one of the largest cochlear implant programmes ever implemented in a public healthcare facility in Kenya.

For the children and their families, the moment was deeply emotional. Parents shed tears of hope and relief as they witnessed their children hear sounds for the very first time. A highlight was a mother who stated that previously she had to go with her daughter everywhere due to safety concerns.

“When visiting the hospital and had to use the bathroom, I had to tag along with my daughter due to safety concerns and her hearing condition,” an emotional mother stated.

Many families had previously tried hearing aids, which proved insufficient, before being advised to consider cochlear implants, a procedure that involves high costs.

Months after the surgeries were carried out, the hospital has now switched on the devices for the pediatric patients.

Dr Isaac Wahome, an audiologist at the hospital, stated that children responded differently when the devices were activated, with some reacting in surprise, others becoming distressed, while a number displayed visible joy.

“ While hearing does not happen instantly, reactions vary some children are shocked by the new sounds, others cry, and some express joy,” he stated

So far, 25 children have had their devices successfully switched on, with no complications reported.

According to the hospital officials, the cochlear implants were donated, and the procedures were covered under theSocial Health Authority (SHA).

Hospital officials were callingon partners, donors, and benefactors to support this life-transforming programme, ensuring more children can benefit.

Hearing loss in children remains a major public health issue in Kenya, with an estimated 14 out of every 1,000 children affected by moderate to severe impairment, well above levels recorded in high-income countries.

Common causes included congenital infections such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, and HIV, as well as premature birth, neonatal jaundice, recurrent ear infections, and exposure to ototoxic medications.