As communities across the Western Cape marked World Hearing Day on 3 March the provincial Department of Health and Wellness issued a powerful call to action: every child deserves access to early hearing screening and timely care that can transform their developmental journey.
This year’s theme, “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children,” resonates deeply with the Western Cape’s vision of building an educated, healthy, and caring society where no child is left behind. “A child’s ability to hear shapes their entire developmental journey,” explains Chéri van Zyl, Chief Audiologist at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. “When hearing difficulties are identified early, we can intervene before they affect communication, learning, or confidence. Early action truly changes outcomes.”
Warning signs parents should watch out for:
-Babies who don’t startle to loud sounds
-Limited or delayed babbling
-Delayed or unclear speech
-Frequent ear infections
-Children constantly turning up device volumes
-Difficulty following classroom instructions
“If something feels off it’s always worth checking,” advised Van Zyl. “Babies often respond to facial expressions rather than sound. Objective screening is the only reliable way to detect hearing loss early.”
Thirteen-year-old Micah Classen from Blackheath embodies what’s possible when families, schools and health-care teams work together. Diagnosed with moderate-to-severe hearing loss at Tygerberg Hospital when she was just 4, she received hearing aids and therapy support through the Carel du Toit CHAT Centre.
Today she’s a confident Grade 8 student who excels academically and dreams of becoming an audiologist herself.
Micah’s inspiring message to other children facing hearing challenges: “Be patient and confident and do not feel insecure, because God made you in his own special way. And to the people who can hear try to understand more, because we are just like you.”
The Western Cape’s integrated health-care system ensures residents receive appropriate care at the right level. Megan Davis-Ferguson, Assistant Director: Audiology at Groote Schuur Hospital, explained: “We support hearing health across the life span, from newborn screening to comprehensive assessments and hearing-device management. With proper referral pathways and timely intervention we help each person reach their full communication potential.”
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness remains dedicated to building a responsive, resident-centred health system that supports children from birth through adulthood.
Van Zyl emphasises: “Every child deserves the chance to grow in a world full of sound. Together, families, teachers, communities and health-care teams can ensure no child is left behind.”
