Children aged four and five who are transitioning to primary school in Montserrat will be given hearing tests as part of the annual School Health Programme.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services launched the new initiative to support early detection of hearing impairments and ensure timely intervention.
If any hearing issues are identified during the tests, referrals will be made to specialised services for further assessment and support.
Sister Nadine Duberry, a family nurse practitioner and lead healthcare professional conducting the assessments, said early detection of hearing problems is vital.
“Many children with hearing difficulties go undiagnosed until they start experiencing academic or social challenges,” she said in a press release on 4 March.
“By integrating auditory assessments into the School Health Programme, we can identify issues early and provide the necessary interventions to support their overall development.”
The annual School Health Programme takes place in the second term of each school year across all of Montserrat’s schools.
Children are assessed at various stages – before entering primary school, during grade six of primary school and in form three of secondary school.
The programme seeks to identify and treat any medical issues that may develop in childhood and this year is scheduled to be held from 3 to 7 March.
Ingrid Buffonge, Minister of Education, Health, Social Services and Youth Affairs, stressed that hearing plays a crucial role in a child’s learning and communication.
“Early identification of hearing challenges can significantly improve a child’s ability to perform well in school and engage fully in social interactions,” she said in the press release.
“This initiative underscores our dedication to comprehensive healthcare services for children, reinforcing our mission to foster a healthier future for all.”
World Hearing Day, observed annually on 3 March, emphasises the importance of ear and hearing care and advocates for early screening and intervention to prevent hearing loss.
This year’s theme, as set by the World Health Organization (WHO), is ‘Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all’.
The WHO recommends safe listening practices, such as limiting exposure to loud sounds and using noise-cancelling headphones to protect against noise-induced hearing loss.
It also suggests following the 60/60 rule – listening to audio at no more than 60% volume for no longer than 60 minutes at a time.
