Sharjah Hearing Centre Highlights Importance Of Early Detection During Speech-Language-Hearing Month

Every May, the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) marks International Speech-Language-Hearing Month through the Sharjah Hearing Centre (SHC). This initiative aims to enhance awareness about auditory, speech, and language health. It focuses on early detection of hearing and speech issues to improve life quality, especially for children. The campaign stresses the importance of screenings and providing preventive and rehabilitative care.

Marwa Abdul Fattah Madi, who leads the Sharjah Hearing Centre, highlighted their efforts during this awareness month. A key initiative is offering free hearing tests to schoolchildren. Public talks are also organised to educate about early detection and management of hearing disorders. Madi stated that the centre is a leading provider of auditory healthcare in the UAE and beyond.

The centre provides a wide range of services for assessing, diagnosing, and treating hearing and communication issues. Emphasising early intervention among children, it ensures access to modern hearing equipment for all ages. Madi explained that they offer comprehensive services including exams for newborns to the elderly, programming of hearing aids, cochlear implants maintenance, family therapy, and training for parents and educators.

Madi noted that last year alone, the centre delivered over 1,000 services. These included auditory exams and device-related services benefiting more than 450 individuals from various emirates. Additionally, over 13 events were held to engage families and communities in raising awareness.

Seven specialists at the centre received official licences from the Ministry of Health and Prevention. This achievement reflects their high professional standards and adherence to national laws. It also underscores the centre’s dedication to evidence-based practice and comprehensive treatment focused on individuals.

Alaa Saif Al Itr, Head of SCHS's Speech and Language Council, emphasised that this month is crucial for highlighting early detection's importance. The Council aims to raise public awareness about communication disorders while stressing early intervention's role in improving skills.

Bilingualism Forum

The Speech and Language Council is hosting a forum titled "Bilingualism: Challenges and Opportunities." This event aims to enhance understanding of communication challenges through scientific sessions discussing recent research on bilingualism. An open panel will explore educational aspects while sharing a success story of overcoming bilingual difficulties.

The forum encourages positive dialogue among specialists, parents, researchers, and academics. It seeks to foster new conversations around bilingualism in diverse cultural settings. The Council collaborates with Ajad Centre for Training and Development to offer training sessions aimed at enhancing professionals' skills with updated therapeutic methods.

Furthermore, seven council specialists have been formally licensed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. This demonstrates their expertise level as well as SCHS’s commitment to providing competent therapy services aligned with global standards.

With inputs from WAM