The JW LEE CENTER FOR GLOBAL MEDICINE (Director: Woong-Han Kim) at Seoul National University College of Medicine, in collaboration with the Hearing and Balance Training Center (Director: Junho Lee), conducted the ‘2024 Nepal Newborn Hearing Screening and Aural Rehabilitation Program’ from December 20 (Fri) to 23 (Mon), 2024, at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital in Nepal.
This program was led by Professor Jawon Koo (Department of Otolaryngology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital) and Professor Hyun-Jung Oh (Department of Otolaryngology, Seoul National University Hospital), along with an audiology specialist. A total of 38 participants attended, including otolaryngologists, pediatricians, and interns from Dhulikhel Hospital, as well as university students from Kathmandu.
The program focused on building the capacity for newborn hearing screening and aural rehabilitation in Nepal. Participants received training on advanced hearing screening techniques, early diagnosis of hearing loss, and effective rehabilitation strategies, aiming to improve hearing healthcare services in the region.
The Korean medical team conducted a pediatric aural rehabilitation clinical lecture for approximately 20 local medical staff at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital. Additionally, they collaborated with local medical professionals to perform temporal bone dissection training, sharing advanced Korean medical techniques and insights on healthcare system development, particularly in cochlear implant surgery. By providing 25 hearing aids and conducting training for local audiologists on the management and maintenance of pediatric hearing assessment equipment, the program offered practical support to children and families facing financial difficulties in obtaining hearing aids and testing devices. It also helped address the need for early detection of hearing loss.
A local audiologist who has been continuously participating in the program stated, “The hearing-related programs conducted in collaboration with Seoul National University Hospital have significantly contributed to improving hearing health in the community. A total of 17,245 children have undergone hearing loss screenings, making substantial progress in early detection. Additionally, through partnerships with hearing aid companies, we have distributed hearing aids and ensured proper fitting, enhancing the quality of life for both children and adults. Furthermore, we have established a systematic process that enables children who fail the initial newborn hearing screening to undergo prompt retesting and receive necessary diagnoses and support. This achievement has been made possible through the active support and collaboration of Seoul National University Hospital, helping Dhulikhel Hospital play a crucial role in hearing healthcare.”
Meanwhile, one of the local medical professionals who participated in the program shared their thoughts, stating, “It was a meaningful experience to have an in-depth discussion on the popularization of hearing aids in Nepal with experts from GN ReSound. Through these discussions, we identified the high cost of hearing aids as a major barrier preventing the general population from accessing them. To address this issue, I would like to explore the possibility of importing hearing aid chips, assembling them locally, and selling them at a more affordable price. Through discussions with experts, we explored realistic challenges related to importing hearing aid chips and sought alternative solutions to lower hearing aid prices. I sincerely appreciate the continued efforts to sustain this program."
The JW LEE CENTER FOR GLOBAL MEDICINE’s “Nepal Newborn Hearing Screening and Aural Rehabilitation Program” was initiated in 2013 following a preliminary study conducted by a Nepalese ENT specialist trained at Seoul National University Hospital. The study highlighted the urgent need for the introduction and support of pediatric hearing rehabilitation programs in Nepal. In 2016, Korean medical professionals visited Kathmandu University’s Dhulikhel Hospital, donating newborn hearing screening devices and conducting training sessions for local audiologists. Since 2019, the program has expanded to include both in-country training in Korea and field training in Nepal, focusing on educating ENT specialists and pediatric audiologists. The program aims to establish a self-sustaining newborn hearing screening and aural rehabilitation system in Nepal. It seeks to address the gaps in medical and healthcare accessibility that prevent timely treatment for congenital hearing loss, improving the local medical environment and enhancing the medical capabilities of Nepalese healthcare professionals.
The JW LEE CENTER FOR GLOBAL MEDICINE was established in 2012 to honor the legacy of the late Dr. Jong-Wook Lee, former Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). The center is dedicated to strengthening the healthcare capacities of countries with limited medical resources through education, research, policy consultation, and international contributions. Additionally, it aims to nurture future generations of global health leaders. Leveraging Seoul National University’s expertise, the center enhances the effectiveness of Korea’s international development assistance in the healthcare sector, contributing to disease prevention and health promotion with a focus on sustainability. It also operates capacity-building training programs and clinical fellowship programs for healthcare professionals in medically underserved countries. Furthermore, the center conducts research on key global health issues and offers educational programs for both domestic and international students.
For more information, visit: jwleecenter.org.
Translated by Jiwon Seo (Department of Anthropology)