Kota Kinabalu: Parents are advised to always be alert to their babies’ hearing levels in order to detect any issues early, thus, facilitating the recovery process.
Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital (HWKKS) Director Dr Yogendra A/L Panchalingam, said that hearing problems can affect anyone, including newborn babies.
“Hearing problems are often hidden and can only be detected through screening tests.
“Without early detection, it can affect speech development, cognitive abilities, and social functions in babies and children,” he said when officiating the Bengkel Modul Latihan dan Garis Panduan Privileging Petugas Saringan Pendengaran Bayi (PSPB) at HWKKS, recently.
Also present were the Sabah Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) Service Head, Dr. Halimudin Sawali, O&G Department Head, Datuk Dr K Balanathan A/L Kathirgamanathan, and Sabah Audiology Service Head, Sitti Ladyia Mohd Salleh.
Dr Yogendra added that parents should be cautious because the ear nerves and hearing in babies are easily affected by injury, particularly in the head area.
“If there is a blow or injury to the head, seek an ear and hearing check-up from a medical officer immediately,” he said.
The two-day workshop, organised by the HWKKS Audiology Unit, was attended by more than 50 participants, including PSPB staff, paramedics, and medical nurses.
According to Dr Yogendra, through the workshop, participants were exposed to the guidelines and standards for PSPB privileging, in addition to enhancing skills in delivering health information to the public.
Six papers were presented by invited medical and audiology experts, along with practical training and screening sessions.
