Teachers at MM Moeketsi Primary School received valuable information about hearing health when audiologists from Heidelberg Hospital visited the school in commemoration of World Hearing Day on February 5.

Heidelberg Hospital Therapeutic Unit audiologists Khethelo Zuma and Melisa Wrighton, a community service audiologist, conducted an awareness session with teachers to help them better understand hearing health and how it affects learners in the classroom.

The session focused on equipping teachers with the knowledge to recognise early signs of hearing difficulties among learners and understand when it is necessary to refer a child for professional assessment.

Zuma said teachers play an important role in identifying hearing challenges early because they interact with learners on a daily basis.

“Teachers spend many hours with learners in the classroom and are often the first to notice when a child is struggling to hear or follow instructions. Through sessions like this, we aim to equip educators with the knowledge to identify possible warning signs of hearing problems and encourage early referrals so that learners can receive the support they need.

“When a learner has an untreated hearing problem, it can impact their ability to concentrate, communicate and keep up with lessons in class. Early detection and intervention are extremely important because they help ensure that learners receive the appropriate support and are not left behind academically,” he said.

Wrighton said raising awareness about hearing health is an important step in supporting learners’ overall well-being.

“World Hearing Day gives us an opportunity to remind communities that hearing health should not be overlooked. By working with schools and teachers, we can help ensure that learners who may be experiencing hearing difficulties are identified early and referred for professional help before the problem affects their education,” she said.