HCP in children

It  is  important  to  identify  deafness  among  children  as  early  as  possible;  the  sooner  the  better,  since,  even  partial  deafness  in  children  results  in  poor  learning  abilities  in  school,  and  psycho-social  problems.  Such  a  goal  can  only  be  achieved  by  screening  all  the  children  at  risk.   Inexpensive  table  audiometers  are  easily  available.   The  government  can  definitely  afford  to  supply  these  to  every  taluk  headquarters  hospital.

The  audiometer  does  not  require  great  expertise  to operate  operate;   the  nurses  stationed  at  the  hospital  can  be  taught  to  operate  it.   All  the  schools  in  each  taluk  can  be  systematically  covered.   Once  the  hearing  impaired  children  are  identified,  arrangements  can  be  made  to  refer  them  to  a  specialist  centre  for  further  treatment,  or  specialist  could  visit  these  hospitals.   In  the  cities  and  in  major  towns  where  more  facilities  are  available,  it  would  obviously  be  easier  to  screen  school  children.

Health  workers  and  social  workers  who cover most of the houses in the village for other purposes can also be included in the programme to enquire about the hearing abilities  and/or incidence of discharging ear among members of the family.  The  suspected cases thus identified should be referred to the taluk headquarters for audiometry and necessary action.