Early Hearing Loss Detection for Children in Guatemala

Project Overview

This transformative initiative aims to strengthen early detection and diagnosis of hearing loss in children aged 0-5 years in the Suchitepéquez and Quetzaltenango departments of Guatemala. The project implements WHO-aligned evaluation protocols to enable timely interventions and support comprehensive child development.

Project Objectives

Strategic Partnerships
- Collaborate with HALO Guatemala
- Partner with local health authorities
- Establish sustainable program implementation
- Ensure long-term program viability
Evaluation Protocols
- Implement otoacoustic emissions testing
- Conduct auditory evoked potentials
- Provide free or social-price screenings
- Ensure early and accurate diagnosis
Specialized Care Access
- Develop referral systems
- Enable early hearing aid adaptation
- Facilitate educational services
- Support comprehensive intervention
Healthcare Training
- Train medical professionals
- Educate pediatricians
- Build screening protocol expertise
- Enhance patient care capabilities

Implementation Plan

Screening Services

5,000 otoacoustic emissions tests
200 evoked potential diagnostics
100 hearing aids for low-income children
Comprehensive evaluation protocols

Cost Efficiency

Private clinic cost: USD 743.00
Project evaluation cost: USD 11.97
Cost reduction: Over 98%
Voluntary contribution: USD 39.00 per protocol

Project Network

Healthcare Partners

National hospitals
Community health centers
Schools for the deaf
Special education institutions

Community Support

Midwives and birth attendants
Local leaders
Community health workers
Educational institutions

Sustainability

The project ensures long-term viability through:

Continuous staff training
Equipment maintenance
Community engagement
Strategic partnerships

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced early detection
Improved intervention access
Strengthened healthcare capacity
Better child development outcomes
Sustainable screening program