Damascus, March 3 (SANA) – Syria marked World Hearing Day on March 3 with renewed calls to strengthen prevention efforts and expand early screening programs, particularly for newborns and high-risk groups.
The annual observance, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to raise awareness about ear and hearing health, promote early detection and treatment of hearing loss, and highlight its broader health, social and psychological impacts.
Early screening is key
Dr. Manal al-Hamad, head of the Newborn Care Program at the Ministry of Health, stressed the importance of routine hearing screening for infants, elderly people, and individuals working in high-risk professions.
Speaking to SANA, she described newborn hearing screening as a simple, safe, painless and free procedure that plays a critical role in protecting children from the long-term consequences of hearing impairment — one of the leading causes of delayed speech development.
Al-Hamad explained that hearing loss can be detected shortly after birth through auditory screening tests. A positive result confirms normal hearing, while a failed screening does not automatically mean permanent hearing loss but requires further diagnostic evaluation. She noted that definitive diagnosis can be made before a child reaches three months of age.
If hearing impairment is confirmed, early medical intervention — including hearing aids or cochlear implantation — is essential. Cochlear implant procedures, she said, are safe when performed at the appropriate age and significantly improve auditory and language development outcomes.
Preventive advice
For older adults, al-Hamad advised avoiding self-medication, particularly potentially ototoxic drugs, limiting exposure to excessive noise, and seeking timely treatment for ear, nose and throat conditions, allergic inflammation, and nasal disorders.
Nationwide screening efforts
According to the Ministry of Health, 41 hearing screening centers were operating across Syria in 2025.
A total of 26,315 newborns were screened. Of those, 22,766 passed the first test, while 769 passed during a second visit. Nineteen infants were referred to specialized diagnostic centers, where seven cases of hearing loss were confirmed and received appropriate medical intervention.
WHO designates March 3 each year to encourage awareness campaigns and promote preventive measures and improved hearing care services worldwide.
