Imagine sitting in class every day, struggling to follow what the teacher is saying. Not because you're distracted or not trying hard enough, but because you can't listen well.

For some children, this hidden challenge often goes unnoticed, yet it can have a serious impact on their learning and development.

A recent hearing screening initiative in the Vhembe district of Limpopo found that a large number of learners had a problem that could affect their ability to learn.

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Audiologist Nonhle Mokwena from the South African Association of Audiologists

195 learners in Grade R and Grade 1 at Matshavwe Primary School and Munzhedzi Primary School were screened for hearing loss.

The learners tested passed the hearing tests, and none required immediate medical referral. However, the screening revealed another issue that could potentially impact learning.

43 learners were found to be affected by earwax, a condition where wax accumulates and blocks the ear canal.

While earwax is a normal and protective substance, excessive accumulation can lead to hearing loss.

Mokwena explains that impacted earwax can lead to conductive hearing loss, which may start mildly but get worse over time if not treated. “If left untreated, it can affect a child's ability to hear and impact speech, language learning and cognitive development,” she says.

According to Mokwena, hearing problems in children are often seen as behavioral or learning difficulties. Children who cannot hear clearly may appear distracted, ask for repetition frequently, struggle in noisy classrooms or show signs of frustration and withdrawal. These behaviors are sometimes misinterpreted as poor concentration or learning problems, when in reality the child is struggling to listen.

Experts say early detection remains a challenge in South Africa

Hearing plays an important role in language development, especially in the early school years.

If a child cannot hear properly during this stage, it can affect speech development, literacy, and overall academic performance.

Research shows that listening challenges are not uncommon among young learners. A study conducted by University of Pretoria found that about 2.2% of learners in Grades 1 to 3 had hearing loss, many of whom required follow-up care.

Professor Katija Khoja-Shangase of Wits University said progress in early hearing identification programs has been slow, citing gaps such as limited newborn screening, shortage of audiologists and low awareness among both health care workers and communities.

As a result, some children's hearing difficulties are only discovered when they are already at school.

Early detection of hearing challenges is important because hearing plays a vital role in language development and learning. If a child cannot hear properly during critical stages of development, it can affect his or her speech, literacy, and academic performance.

Schools and parents are important in identifying hearing problems

Mokwena emphasizes that schools play an important role in identifying hearing problems, especially for children who may not have been screened at birth or during childhood.

“Schools are often the first point of access for children who miss newborn hearing screenings, so they play a transformative role in identifying hearing problems early,” she says.

She advises parents to pay attention to possible warning signs, such as children asking to repeat things, increasing the volume of the television, delayed speech development, or trailing off in conversations.