Main
News
Ask the Doctor: Hearing
About health
News
For specialists
For patients
Announcement

Ask the Doctor: Hearing
03 March 24

 

On the occasion of World Hearing Day, Nellie Mosesova, an audiologist at the "Arabkir" Medical Center, answered questions from news.am. She addressed topics such as how parents can identify hearing issues in newborns, the significance of newborn hearing screening, its implementation in Armenia and its outcomes, the causes of congenital and acquired hearing loss and deafness, available treatments for deafness, and whether screening and cochlear implants will eliminate the need for sign language.

How can parents recognize if their newborn child has hearing problems?
During a child’s early developmental stages, identifying hearing issues can be challenging. While there are specific developmental milestones, such as reaction to sounds, these may not always be evident. For example, a 1-month-old baby may not display a noticeable reaction to sound, except for perhaps focusing their gaze or a slight startle to loud, sharp noises. By around 3 months of age, babies begin to respond better to human voices, showing recognition of their mother’s voice and displaying excitement even without visual contact. Around 6 months, they start babbling and can clearly locate the source of sounds. By 1 year, we expect the child’s first words. While these milestones are important, instrumental examinations provide more accurate results. Hence, newborn hearing screening tests are conducted in maternity hospitals in Armenia during the first days of a child’s life. 

 

What is a newborn hearing screening test?
The newborn hearing screening test is a mass screening conducted in stages. The initial stage takes place in the maternity hospital during the first days of the newborn’s life, before discharge. If hearing loss is suspected, the test is repeated, with the second stage completed no later than 2 months of age. If doubts persist, a comprehensive audiologic examination is conducted, including more complex tests to diagnose any hearing loss and determine its severity.
 

Since when has screening been performed in Armenia and what are the outcomes? 

Newborn hearing screening in Armenia began in July 2008, initially in just 4 maternity hospitals. However, since 2018, nearly all maternity hospitals in Armenia have been equipped to perform this screening. The results align with international data, indicating that approximately one in a thousand children are born with hearing loss. 

 

What are the causes of congenital hearing loss and deafness?
Congenital hearing loss has various causes, often involving multiple factors. Genetics is the most common cause, accounting for 30-50% of cases. It's important to note that while labeled as hereditary, both parents may have normal hearing. Complications during pregnancy, particularly infections, are also significant contributors. Certain medications taken during pregnancy can lead to hearing loss. Additionally, premature or post-term (more than 42 weeks) births can increase the risk. Other contributing factors include maternal habits and comorbidities such as diabetes or anemia, which may affect fetal nutrition.


What are the causes of acquired hearing loss and deafness?
Acquired hearing loss often results from infectious diseases such as measles and COVID-19, as well as acute respiratory infections. Certain chemotherapeutic agents used in tuberculosis treatment can also lead to hearing loss. Additionally, traumatic brain injury and prolonged exposure to loud noise, often due to increased headphone use, are common causes.

 

What are the available treatment methods for hearing loss and deafness?
For acute hearing loss, timely treatment within the first 5 days is crucial, as interventions after 2 weeks are less effective. Therefore, seeking medical attention promptly is essential in cases of sudden hearing loss, as delays can be critical. Alternatively, if treatment is not possible, compensatory measures can be taken. Hearing aids are commonly used for this purpose, and if ineffective, surgical interventions such as cochlear implantation may be necessary.
 

Is it possible to achieve the level that there is no need for a special language for deaf and mute people?
Despite advancements in technology, including hearing aids and cochlear implants, there are still cases where these methods are ineffective, necessitating the use of sign language. However, with the rapid pace of technological development, there is hope that in the near future, both speech and hearing abilities can be significantly improved. 

Last news
Richard Babayan visits Arabkir Medical Center and the Edgar Housepian Epileptology Clinic
01 October
The Scientific Director of the Arabkir Medical Center, Professor Ara Babloyan, welcomed Dr. Richard Babayan, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), who arrived from the United States, along with Hambardzum Simonyan, Deputy Director of FAR’s Armenian branch and Health Programs Manager, and Arno Hovhannisyan, Healthcare Program Coordinator. Thanks to the longstanding cooperation between Arabkir Medical Center and FAR, numerous healthcare programs have been implemented over the decades. During the visit, the guests toured the medical center and visited the Edgar Housepian Epileptology Clinic, where over 4,150 patients receive continuous care and treatment. The clinic is among the regional leaders in advanced epilepsy diagnosis and treatment for both children and adults. It is named in honor of Professor Edgar Housepian, an internationally renowned neurosurgeon at Columbia University and Presbyterian Hospital in New York. “Professor Housepian made an immense contribution not only to the United States but also to the healthcare system of Armenia,” noted Professor Ara Babloyan during the meeting. “His most active involvement began after the 1988 earthquake. As coordinator of FAR’s medical programs, he organized the training of nearly 100 Armenian doctors in the United States.”The introduction of a modern model of continuous professional development in Armenia became possible largely due to Professor Housepian’s legacy. Those present expressed deep appreciation for his life, work, and lasting contributions to Armenian healthcare.The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion, attended by participants of FAR’s Continuing Medical Education program from medical institutions across Armenia, along with Armine Hakobyan, President of the FAR Fellowship Alumni Association (FAR FAA), and Bella Grigoryan, a member of the Board. “The Fund for Armenian Relief is one of the exceptional organizations that, since 1988, has set clear goals for developing all sectors of public life in Armenia and continues to move confidently toward achieving them,” emphasized Professor Babloyan at the conclusion of the meeting. Both parties expressed confidence that their partnership will continue and expand in the years ahead.
Professor from the USA to Perform Surgeries at Arabkir Medical Center
26 September
The Urology service of Arabkir Medical Center has developed a special focus on the correction of urethral injuries and defects. This week, at the invitation of Arabkir Medical Center’s professional team, Dr. Hunter B. Wessels, a surgeon from the Department of Urology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, USA, has arrived in Armenia. Surgeries will be performed with the participation of Dr. Wessels to correct complications resulting from urethral injuries. Within the framework of this cooperation, both children and adults with the mentioned condition will have the opportunity to undergo surgery, regardless of when or where their previous procedure was performed. Along with the specialists of Arabkir Medical Center, physicians who have previously treated these patients will also take part in the surgeries. LICENSE: C-MA-000455, issued on 26.05.2025.                                                                                                         Advertising Permit: N–MMA-00055, issued on 29.09.2025.
The Newly Appointed Ambassador of Switzerland visits Arabkir Medical Center
25 September
On September 25, the Scientific Director of the Arabkir Medical Center, Professor Ara Babloyan, welcomed the newly appointed Ambassador of Switzerland to the Republic of Armenia, Andrea Barbara Baumann. The cooperation between Arabkir Medical Center and Switzerland has a decades-long history. During the 1988 earthquake, Swiss doctors Jean-Pierre Bernard and Ernest Leumann were among the first to arrive in the disaster zone, offering their professional expertise and skills in service to the Armenian people. Since then, collaboration has continued, resulting in more than 30 Armenian-Swiss programs. The 31st initiative is the creation of the Nursing and Therapists Excellence Center. The meeting was also attended by Swiss partners of the Arabkir Medical Center — Pierrette Chenevard, member of the Board of Trustees of the Nursing and Therapists Excellence Center, and Manuel Salazar, expert in the organization of rehabilitation services. Discussions focused on the further development of the Armenian-Swiss Center for Excellence in Nursing and Therapists. The center’s mission is to enhance the effectiveness of nursing and therapy services in Armenia, supporting the professional growth and continuous development of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and other specialists. During the meeting, both sides expressed their appreciation for the progress achieved so far and their hope that this strong cooperation will continue, bringing positive outcomes for years to come.
More Than 30 Years of Cooperation Continue
23 September
Recently, the Arabkir Medical Center hosted members of a delegation from Nice, France, reaffirming more than 30 years of ongoing cooperation. The meeting held significant meaning, as it contributed to the continuous development of specialists at the Arabkir Medical Center and to the improvement of medical service quality. It also strengthens support for the Francophonie program in Armenia. The cooperation program provides opportunities to establish close ties with Armenia and to take active steps toward the advancement and development of the country’s healthcare sector. During their visit, the delegation met with nearly fifty French-speaking employees of the Arabkir Medical Center. The discussions focused on potential new directions and future cooperation programs, aiming to further enhance the scope and impact of this long-standing partnership.
“I Have Never Stood or Walked”: Treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy Is Not Available in Armenia
17 September
Every year, 3–4 newborns in Armenia are diagnosed with the most severe form of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Although effective treatment exists worldwide, in Armenia it is neither available through state order nor officially registered. Twenty-four-year-old Anush Gevorgyan loves to paint, but for about two years she has been unable to do so — even holding a brush has become too difficult. Today, there are approximately 12–15 patients in Armenia diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, and Anush is one of them. She recalls that although she was an active child, she never stood or walked. When Anush was 1.5 years old, her mother noticed that her physical development differed from that of her peers. After extensive examinations, the diagnosis was confirmed: spinal muscular atrophy — a rare genetic disorder (Anush has two younger sisters and during each pregnancy, samples were sent to Moscow for genetic testing to ensure the children were healthy.) “Due to a protein deficiency, the body gradually loses mobility. At that time, there was no treatment available. There were few patients worldwide, and pharmaceutical companies were not interested in developing a solution,” explains Anush. In 2016, the first injectable medication for SMA was developed. Later, in 2020, an oral version also became available. Anush notes that just as people with diabetes must take insulin daily, individuals with SMA need to take medication regularly to help the body produce sufficient protein, at least halting disease progression or restoring some functions. Anush has never received treatment for her condition. Six months ago, as her health deteriorated, she was compelled to organize a fundraiser to cover the cost of therapy. The topic was also highlighted by Sputnik Armenia during a press conference on “Innovations in Spinal Muscular Atrophy and the Importance of Genetic Therapy.”
Arabkir Medical Center Joins MedMeet 2025
10 September
Arabkir Medical Center has joined the largest healthcare event of the year — MedMeet 2025. The event will bring together leading professionals and healthcare enthusiasts from September 19 to 21 at the Meridian Expo Center. The program is open to all visitors. Arabkir Medical Center will present the work of its Plastic Surgery Service at MedMeet 2025. Visitors to the pavilion will have the opportunity to receive free consultations from the center’s plastic surgeons. Dr. Karlen Nersisyan, plastic surgeon at Arabkir Medical Center, will also take part in MedMeet Talks, answering questions and sharing professional insights․