Children with hearing difficulties at Msandaka School for the Deaf in Moshi have received ear examinations and hearing screening services in an outreach campaign aimed at identifying treatable conditions and preventing further hearing complications.
The exercise, conducted on November 4, 2026, by HearWell Audiology Clinic in collaboration with Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), covered 74 pupils aged between six and 16 and 23 members of staff.
It was organised as part of community service activities during the Tanzania Ear, Nose and Throat Society (TENTS) Annual Congress, held in Moshi from November 4 to 7.
The initiative comes amid concerns over the need for regular ear assessments among children with hearing impairments, particularly because untreated infections and other ear conditions can further affect their remaining hearing ability.
HearWell managing director and audiologist Fayaz Jaffer said the outreach was intended to bring specialised hearing services closer to children who need regular medical attention.
"We targeted 74 students and 23 members of staff to assess their ear and hearing health, identify treatable conditions and establish those who may require further audiological evaluation and rehabilitation," he said.
Audiologists Jaffer and Rashida Hassuji conducted hearing assessments, while a team of doctors from KCMC carried out ear examinations and provided medical support.
The exercise identified cases of impacted earwax, foreign objects in the ears and ear infections. Some conditions were managed during the camp, while patients requiring additional specialist attention were referred to KCMC.
Hassuji said regular ear examinations were particularly important for children with existing hearing difficulties because some medical conditions could worsen their ability to hear.
"Untreated ear conditions can further compromise the remaining hearing ability of children who already have hearing difficulties. Early identification and intervention are therefore essential," she said.
She added that timely treatment could improve communication, support educational development and enhance children's quality of life.
TENTS president Edwin Liyombo commended HearWell and KCMC for conducting the outreach, saying collaboration among healthcare professionals was important in extending specialised services to communities.
Msandaka School for the Deaf headmistress Rossada Shao also welcomed the initiative, calling for similar screening exercises to be conducted at least twice a year.
She said regular assessments would help identify medical conditions early and ensure pupils receive appropriate treatment and follow-up care.
Jaffer urged ear, nose and throat specialists to introduce similar community outreach programmes in their respective regions and incorporate them into their annual activity plans.
He said sustained community engagement was necessary to improve access to specialised healthcare, particularly for children and other groups facing barriers to hearing services.
HearWell said it continues to collaborate with healthcare institutions across Tanzania, including government hospitals such as Muhimbili National Hospital, to strengthen access to specialised hearing healthcare.
Through partnerships with institutions such as TENTS and KCMC, the clinic aims to promote awareness, early identification and intervention, as well as access to hearing rehabilitation services.
The Moshi outreach highlights the importance of addressing hearing health beyond the provision of hearing aids, with routine examinations, treatment of ear infections and timely referrals also essential in protecting hearing.
For children attending schools for the deaf, such interventions can help preserve their remaining hearing capacity while supporting communication, learning and social development.