KOTA KINABALU: Parents must be vigilant about their baby's hearing health to detect issues early, facilitating a smoother recovery process.
“Hearing problems can affect anyone, including newborns, and are often not immediately apparent,” said Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital director Dr Yogendra Panchalingam.
He said screening tests are crucial for early identification, preventing negative impacts on speech development, cognitive abilities, and social interactions.
Dr Yogendra stressed the importance of early identification in managing hearing problems and advised parents to be cautious, as babies' hearing can be easily damaged, particularly from head injuries.
“If a blow or injury occurs to the head, seek prompt ear and hearing screening from a medical professional,” he said.
Dr Yogendra made these remarks during the recent opening of a two-day workshop on Hearing Screening Staff Privileging Guidelines at the hospital.
The workshop was organised by the hospital’s Audiology Unit and was attended by over 50 participants, including hearing screening staff, paramedics, and medical nurses.
During the workshop, Dr Yogendra explained that it aimed to raise awareness about guidelines and standards for hearing screening staff while enhancing their ability to deliver health information effectively to the public.
The workshop also included six presentations by medical and audiology experts, along with practical training sessions and screenings.
Among those present were Sabah Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) Service head Dr Halimudin Sawali, Sabah Audiology Service head Sitti Ladyia Mohd Salleh, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department head Datuk Dr K. Balanathan Kathirgamanathan.
