Ministry of Health and Social Services Introduces Auditory Assessments as part of Annual School Health Programme

The Ministry of Health and Social Services has announced the introduction of auditory assessments as part of the Annual School Health Programme.

In a press release, Tuesday, the ministry stated that this initiative would coincide with the recognition of World Hearing Day.

The release outlines that the initiative will provide hearing screenings for children aged four and five, who are transitioning to primary school, ensuring early detection and intervention for hearing impairments.

The School Health Programme is scheduled to take place from March 3rd to 7th 2025, across all schools island-wide.

The inclusion of auditory assessments aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to promoting child health and development, ensuring that children receive the necessary support to succeed academically and socially.

Minister of Health and Social Services, as well as Education, Dr., the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, stated that hearing plays a crucial role in a child’s learning and communication.

She further stated that this initiative underscores the ministry’s dedication to comprehensive healthcare services for children, reinforcing their mission to foster a healthier future for all.

Family Nurse Practitioner and lead healthcare professional conducting the assessments, Sister Nadine Duberry, emphasized the importance of early detection saying that many children with hearing difficulties go undiagnosed until they start experiencing academic or social challenges.

She says that by integrating auditory assessments into the School Health Programme, they can identify issues early and provide the necessary interventions to support the children’s overall development.

The auditory screenings will be conducted for all four-to-five-year-old children participating in the School Health Programme. If any hearing impairments are detected, appropriate referrals will be made to specialized services for further evaluation and intervention.

World Hearing Day, observed annually on March 3, emphasizes the importance of ear and hearing care and advocates for early screening and intervention to prevent hearing loss.

The theme this year, as set by the World Health Organization (WHO), is “Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all”, highlighting the global need for improved hearing health initiatives.

Additionally, the WHO recommends safe listening practices, such as limiting exposure to loud sounds, using noise-canceling headphones, and following the 60/60 rule—listening to audio at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time—to protect against noise-induced hearing loss.

The Ministry encourages parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to support this initiative and raise awareness about hearing health.

For more information on auditory assessments, individuals can contact the Health Centre of their choice.