Understanding the challenges of deafness and the solutions available

By detecting hearing loss early, providing timely intervention, and offering lifelong support, Tygerberg Hospital ensures that children have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

This was the message of Jennifer Perold, chief audiologist of the cochlear implant programme at the hospital, to mark Deaf Awareness Month, which is celebrated annually in September.

“Early identification and intervention are essential. By working closely with clinics and hospitals throughout the region, Tygerberg Hospital's audiology department strives to ensure that children with hearing loss are diagnosed promptly and referred for the most appropriate care, an investment that changes the course of their lives,” she said.

For individuals with severe sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) who gain little benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implantation (CI) offers a life-changing solution.

The hospital stated that for children, early implantation supports near-normal language development, improves learning outcomes, and facilitates integration into mainstream education.

For adults, implants restore access to sounds, improve speech understanding and communication, and boost confidence.

One of the beneficiaries at Tygerberg Hospital was five-year-old Othaluve Nonjeke from Khayelitsha, who received hearing aids at the age of one year and eight months and later received cochlear implants at two years old. 

His mother, Ntombizikhona Nonjeke, said he initially reacted when he heard a sound around him, but stopped responding after six months, which prompted her to seek help at the clinic.

She said raising Othaluve was challenging after finding out that he was hard of hearing.

“I have a firstborn who is normal. Now I had to be patient this time since he has a special need. I had to stop working to help him catch up with words. 

“You must be patient with your child, and you have to observe every move. Be curious and encourage your child to walk and speak so that you can observe things," she said, adding that if a parent finds out that their child is hard of hearing, they must not despair because there is help.

She added that Othaluve can hear and speak now and is expected to start Grade R next year.

Tygerberg Hospital, in partnership with Stellenbosch University, is operating South Africa’s first and largest cochlear implant programme.

Since performing its first implant 39 years ago, the programme has helped more than 1 130 people, from a 4-month-old baby to a 90-year-old,  said  Laticia Pienaar, the hospital’s spokesperson.

The theme of Deaf Awareness Month for this year is Beyond Silence.

If you are concerned about your child's hearing, visit your nearest clinic or community health centre. Nurses and doctors can perform an initial screening and, if needed, refer you for further assessment.