Gaza children running out of time to treat blast-induced hearing loss
Summary
A young child in Gaza lost most of her hearing after a blast during the conflict between Israel and Gaza. Many children in Gaza are now suffering hearing loss due to explosions, but medical help and devices are hard to get because of the damaged healthcare system and import restrictions.Key Facts
- Wateen al-Ajrami, a toddler in Gaza, lost about 85-90% of her hearing after a blast in August 2023.
- Her hearing loss was caused by the blast wave from an Israeli strike.
- Thousands of people in Gaza had hearing disabilities before the war, estimated at 20,000.
- Since the war began in October 2023, the number of people with hearing loss may have risen to 30,000-40,000.
- Hearing loss in children often results from blast waves, brain trauma, and psychological shock.
- Gaza’s healthcare system is damaged, making it hard to get hearing aids, cochlear implants, and related medical help.
- Import restrictions prevent enough medical devices and parts from entering Gaza.
- Many rehabilitation centers that help with hearing, speech therapy, and education have been damaged or closed, threatening children’s development.
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