Since the start of the war on the Gaza Strip 20 months ago, the number of people with hearing loss has increased dramatically, as there has been a rise in the number of people having noise induced hearing loss due to explosions and loud sounds and lack of access to ENT interventions. In our clinic we have registered that in the population, there has been an increase in the hearing loss rate. Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children’s record estimates that it is expected to have 35,000 person with permeant or temporary hearing loss.
The demand for audiological support has escalated dramatically during the war. Thousands of children and adults now face barriers to communication, education, and personal safety due to untreated hearing loss. Atfaluna remained committed to delivering life-saving and dignity-affirming services for children and persons with disabilities.
Atfaluna’s Audiological and Speech Therapy Interventions as Following:
- 36,356 individuals received hearing screenings
- 2,560 referred for advanced diagnostic testing
- 1,358 accessed ENT consultations and care
- 1,204 underwent speech therapy
- 1,700 individuals were fitted with hearing aids
- 350 received maintenance and spare parts for their devices
- 10,783 received hearing aid batteries
These services are delivered to reach most severely affected and displaced populations in Gaza.
Dr. Ramadan, Atfaluna’s Outpatient Clinics Manager, reflected on the situation:
“Due to the current situation in the Gaza Strip, the privilege of hearing loss has sharply increased and showed that the need for intervention has tripled. We have registered on our waiting list more that 2000 people who are in need for hearing aids and double this number people in need for hearing aids’ batteries and follow up services”
Dr. Ramadan adds: “Immediate provision hearing aids and other assistive devices to individuals with hearing loss. It is important to conduct community-based hearing screening campaigns at the community at large, train more audiologists, speech therapists, and sign language interpreters to meet local needs, and ensure inclusive education by intervention locations with necessary resources, such as sign language interpreters and visual learning aids.”
A grandfather from a displacement shelter shared:
“Since the war began, my grandchild hadn’t heard my voice. When Atfaluna fitted him with a hearing aid, he looked at me and said, ‘Grandpa, I can hear now! I can go to the learning point with my siblings tomorrow morning!’”
Every screening conducted, every device repaired, and every therapy session delivered is a powerful act of inclusion and resilience, helping individuals reconnect with their families, communities, and futures.
