100 Roma children’s hearing is treated

A HOSPITAL IN Sheffield is treating a high number of Roma children who have hearing problems.

More than 100 Roma children with hearing impairments are being seen by Sheffield Children’s Hospital, with one in nine of the total number of patients at the hearing department from the Roma community.

The hospital says it is possible the conditions are genetic as a significant number of children have other family members with hearing loss.

Suzanne Carrick, specialist paediatric audiologist at the hospital, said: “Hearing Services supports over 900 children and young people with hearing loss, many of whom are from the Roma community.

“All children have investigations into the cause of their hearing loss, but there has been no specific studies in this population. We know a significant number of patients have other family members with hearing loss, possibly suggesting a genetic component.

“Fitting hearing aids is important to enable access to speech sounds in order to maximise communication and to optimise speech development. Effective amplification enables young children to fully access educational and social opportunities, which are key in securing positive outcomes later in life.”

Sheffield Council says it, along with schools, is supporting Roma children living in the city. In a report, its officers said: “One example of this is the unit which has been set up at Owler Brook Primary School, jointly organised and funded by the school and Sheffield Council, where 25 pupils with medium to profound hearing impairment are taught daily by a specialist teacher.”