While still underdiagnosed, some hearing impairments can have a lasting impact on a child’s development, communication, and social life. In Bertoua, a free campaign organized at the Gracia Clinic from September 24 to 27, 2026, puts screening, prevention, and medical guidance at the heart of the fight against these disorders.
Hearing loss isn’t always immediately noticeable. In newborns as well as adults, hearing impairment can go undetected and delay treatment. This campaign allows people to access several free hearing tests designed to identify potential hearing problems.
Pure-tone audiometry, auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing, and otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing are among the tests offered. Some tests are adapted for newborns. The goal is to detect any hearing loss early and refer those affected to appropriate care.
In children, the stakes are particularly high. Deafness occurring before language acquisition can disrupt speech development and learning if it is not identified early enough. Monitoring pregnancy and childbirth is also a means of prevention, especially in situations that could lead to oxygen deprivation at birth.
According to Dr. Fokouo Valentin, hearing problems can have several causes. Certain infections, including meningitis and cerebral malaria, some congenital conditions, and oxygen deprivation at birth can affect hearing. The specialist also urges caution regarding certain potentially ototoxic medications, including gentamicin and quinine, whose use should be medically supervised.
Treatment then depends on the cause and degree of the hearing loss. For example, earwax buildup can often be treated simply. For some types of sensorineural hearing loss, a hearing aid may be recommended if the person has some remaining usable hearing.
Beyond the examinations, the campaign aims to improve public awareness. Undiagnosed hearing loss can have consequences for communication, education, and social integration, particularly for children. Early detection allows for intervention before the onset of certain functional complications.
Led by the Cochlea association, in partnership with the Action for the Development and Entrepreneurship of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, this initiative is the second campaign organized by the association in Bertoua. Founded in 2019, Cochlea aims to contribute to improving the screening and care of people living with hearing impairment.
Through this campaign, the organizers hope to make screening a reflex, especially among children. Because detecting hearing loss early also gives the person concerned a greater chance of preserving their communication, learning, and independence.
Lutricia Atol
