Over 1,000 pupils at Groupe Scolaire de Kicukiro were yesterday screened for hearing impairment.

The exercise was organised by the Rwanda Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Society (ROHNSS) in partnership with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, a US-based NGO.

The screening follows a rise in the number of patients seeking consultation services over suspected hearing impairment.

"About three years ago, I used to receive about 30 people per month consulting for ear ailments, but I now receive about 100 monthly,” said Rajab Mugabo, an ear, nose and throat specialist at King Faisal Hospital.

He attributed the rise to increased sensitisation about screening and treatment exercises across the country.

The Ministry of Health estimates that about 1 million people countrywide have hearing impairment.

According to Mugabo, ear infections are common among children below seven years.

A Study carried out by ROHNSS in various primary schools in 2008 in Kigali, shows that 18 per cent of those screened had accumulated ear wax, and 13.3 per cent had hearing impairment.

Dr Protais Munyarugamba, the president of ROHNSS, cautioned people against using sharp objects to clean their ears to avoid damaging the eardrums.

Seven public hospitals currently offer specialised ear care.

Munyarugamba noted that the number of people with ear-related ailments is expected to go down since a new vaccine against streptococcus, a germ that causes most ear diseases is now available in all public hospitals.

According to Bridget Kyomugisha, a nurse with Chuk, ear care consultation and treatment, at her hospital ranges from Rwf14,500 to 150,000.

According to the World Health Organisation, 360 million people worldwide have hearing impairment.