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. 

  On the eve of the World Hearing Day, the news team of the Public TV Company visited the Speech Development Center at the "Arabkir" Medical Center, which caters to 40 children with hearing impairment attending classes 4 times a week.   Thanks to the dedicated work of the audiology service team, including doctors, audiometrists, audio therapists, art therapists, psychologists, and of course, parents, the children learn to speak and successfully integrate into public schools.   - What is your name? - Narek. - How old are you? - Seven. Narek is currently in the first grade and has profound (Level 4) congenital hearing loss. He visited the Speech Development Center at the “Arabkir” Medical Center to monitor his progress.   Suzanna Harutyunyan, Narek’s mother, shares: “We first heard Narek speak his first words, “mama”, “papa”, “ami” (red - “karmir” in Armenia), and “atach” (green - “kanach” in Armenian), when he was 4.5 years old. About a year later, following Roza’s advice, I began keeping a diary to track his progress, writing down the words in order. When I revisited the diary a year later on the same date, I was surprised to find out that Narek had learned 270 new words.   There are many guests gathered at the Speech Development Center on World Hearing Day, including former students who came to express their gratitude in person.   Among them is 7-year-old Mariam, reciting a poem. She has already decided to become a doctor - a dentist. At first glance, there are no signs that she has ever experienced hearing or speech difficulties. Audiologist Marine Grigoryan provides insight, “Mariam was diagnosed a bit later, but with early intervention and the use of prosthetics, significant progress has been made in improving the quality of her speech.”   Early diagnosis and timely interventions play a crucial role in overcoming challenges and facilitating social integration. Marine Grigoryan further emphasizes: “Mariam’s case exemplifies the importance of early intervention, from identification and diagnosis to the provision of prosthetics and specialized classes.”   Thanks to these efforts, Mariam now exhibits speech development comparable to her peers, highlighting the positive impact of early detection and appropriate interventions on a child's development. Dr. Nelli Mosesova emphasizes: “According to WHO data, approximately 5% of the global population experiences various forms of hearing impairment, a condition that is particularly prevalent among children. In fact, it ranks as one of the most common pathologies even among newborns, affecting roughly one in a thousand individuals on average.”   While hereditary factors account for 30-50% of cases of hearing loss, it's important to note that children with hearing impairments can also be born to parents without any prior history of such conditions. Dr. Nelly Mosesova explains, “There are various causes of hearing loss, with many cases attributed to conditions like acute respiratory infections or other illnesses, often resulting in temporary impairment.   The newborn hearing screening program was initiated in Armenia in 2008 and has been fully implemented nationwide since 2018. With advancements in modern medicine, there are many opportunities available to enhance children's hearing. To preserve the vital sense of hearing that connects us to the world, it is crucial to prioritize our health.

  Respiratory disorders are quite common among both children and adults, arising from various reasons and requiring different professional approaches.  All the solutions for respiratory disorders are centralized in “Arabkir” medical center, spanning diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control. Through collaborative efforts across our multidisciplinary teams, patients not only receive treatment, but also regain the ability to breathe fully and continue living their lives. The video of News.am is about respiratory disorders and modern ways for alleviating them.   Encountering challenges while breathing through your nose can result from a variety of reasons. Nasal congestion may stem from infectious diseases or anatomical deviations/neoplasms. Gurgen Harutyunyan, the head of the pediatric and adult ENT service at the “Arabkir” MC, points out that the most common causes of shortness of breath in children and adults are different: The most common concern in adults is deviated septum. Two primary factors contribute to this issue. Firstly, the cartilage component of the septum, which divides the nose into left and right segments, develops much quicker than the surrounding skull bones. Consequently, it does not fit in there leading to deformation. Second most common cause are nasal traumas, even those sustained during childhood but not manifesting at that time, but along with the growth and development, the septum is deformed again, hindering normal breathing. Additionally, nasal turbinates become hypertrophic, often resulting from septal curvature or prolonged use of vasoconstrictor nasal drops. This problem can coincide with polyps, which lead to obstruction of the nasal passages. For children, the prominent cause often revolves around the proliferation of adenoid tissue, located in the nasopharynx. This tissue regresses at the age of 9-10, and the problem disappears. However, in many cases the tissue overgrows, impending normal breathing. Treatment hinges on the level of tissue overgrowth.  If polyps are present in the nose, computed tomography is mandatory to determine the precise location of the polyps and the scope of the operation. At "Arabkir" MC, this procedure is now conducted using endoscopic techniques: Currently, the operation of polyps in the nasal and adjacent cavities is performed with modern endoscopes in our clinic. This method ensures minimal damage, no incision is made and the surgery is performed through the nostrils under monitoring. In addition to the endoscope, the ENT service of the center is equipped with a spectrum of modern devices, which are used for nasal turbinate ablation. Numerous patients are concerned about turbinate hypertrophy, while others have difficulty breathing related to the septum. There are modern approaches in turbinate related disorder treatment: surgical intervention, when vasotomy, lateralization is performed, as well as ambulatory operations on turbinates. In our clinic, we have the Selon device of Olympus company, which is a modern, conservative, sparing and quick method. Through ablation, the size of turbinates is reduced, hence we have a good effect. Another significant contributor to respiratory complications is allergic rhinitis. And for the treatment of this group, it is necessary to see not only an ENT doctor, but an allergist as well. At the "Arabkir" Medical Center, we adopt a comprehensive approach to tackle this concern. Should your breathing difficulties be suspected to stem from allergies, your otolaryngologist will seamlessly refer you to our allergology service for thorough evaluation. Subsequently, the ENT specialist will administer treatment to alleviate the repercussions of the allergy-induced breathing problems. According to Gurgen Harutyunyan, it is necessary to pay attention to polyps, as they can have allergic origin and correlate with bronchial asthma. That is why in such cases we often turn to an allergist for medical advice and the diseases are managed in collaboration. In cases where asthma is identified, thorough preparation under the guidance of an allergist  is important prior to polyp removal surgery. Pulmonary function tests are performed, the severity of asthma is assessed, treatment is prescribed, the patient is prepared and ready for the operation. Allergic rhinitis is also common, leading to difficulty breathing, edema of turbinates and continuous production of mucus coupled with sneezing. Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal and perennial. The treatment here is performed not only by otolaryngologist prescribing drops, but with collaborative effort with allergists to discern the allergen type and recommend medications. When the problem is allergic rhinitis, constant sneezing, difficulty breathing and the patient is examined, we evaluate the color of mucous membrane and turbinates, the severity of swelling, the degree of reduction, the patient’s history (the frequency of patient being sick), then the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is given followed by collaborative medication prescriptions with allergists. However, surgical intervention emerges as a necessity when a notable septal deviation accompanies allergic rhinitis. Therefore, even in case of reduced turbinates, the deviation will affect the breathing. Surgical correction becomes the preferred route in such instances. The septum deviation is straightened, and turbinates are reduced. A common query that arises is whether symptoms will fade after surgery. The patient’s allergic rhinitis will not be eliminated after the surgery, but when we straighten the septum and the air starts to flow properly, in case of an allergy, when turbinates are enlarged, the breathing will not be that affected and difficult. As explained by Astghik Baghdasaryan, who leads the Respiratory Medicine and Allergology service, allergy diagnosis unfolds through a two-step procedure: The initial step involves skin prick tests, which enable the assessment of hypersensitivity or sensitization to a wide array of commonly encountered allergens and facilitate the prescription of conservative treatment for allergic rhinitis. The treatment can be of two types: seasonal therapy and definitive treatment, known as allergen-specific immunotherapy. The latter requires molecular diagnostics, which we conduct as well. That is, when we want to determine which solutions are needed for target therapy, because different people have allergies to different agents or its parts. To tailor treatment with precision, we employ molecular diagnosis through blood tests, recommending immunotherapy that extends over 3-5 years. Our objective is to sustain treatment for a minimum of 3 years, resulting in a remarkable reduction of allergic rhinitis symptoms by 60-80% throughout the individual's lifetime. Consequently, even if a patient struggles to breathe normally for 3-4 months each season, even with daily medication usage, the risk of lower respiratory tract inflammation and asthma diminishes. This gradual reduction in medication consumption by 60-80% annually significantly curtails the probability of asthma development. “Arabkir” medical center has a unique respiratory laboratory for allergy and asthma examinations, where static and dynamic lung volumes are measured, various biomarkers are checked, lung and heart functions are checked during physical exertion: Since allergies are often accompanied by asthma, we have a unique respiratory laboratory in Armenia, which allows us to measure static and dynamic lung volumes. These encompass crucial parameters such as lung capacity, the rate of exhalation, residual air volume post-breath, and the objectivity of these indicators. We use body plethysmography for children, with whom we work often and they have difficulties with the proper technique of the examination, or for the elderly, who too, have difficulties related to chronic diseases. This examination allows us to measure lung capacities regardless of the patients’ will. Based on this objective data, we are able to confirm or reject the diagnosis. We also have biomarker tests. That is, if we want to know whether there is a chronic inflammation in the patients’ airways and whether the treatment will be temporary or long-term, we determine the level of nitrogen oxide in expiratory air. It is an allergic inflammatory biomarker in the airways and is predominantly used in developed countries, serving as a crucial diagnostic tool for asthma confirmation. We also have confirmatory tests for the diagnosis. As we work with draftees as well, for whom it is very important to know whether the person is having difficulties during physical exertion, and if so, what kind of problem it is: is it related to breathing, heart, or metabolism? In this case we have two types of tests. The first one is an exercise induced asthma test, when the patient is running and we are able to determine the changes of the airways. The second one allows us to check the heart, besides the airways. That means we conduct electrocardiography, and at the same time we determine the levels of inhaled and exhaled carbon dioxide, oxygen, and how the heart works. Also we are able to determine if the restriction of physical exertion is associated with improper function of the body or the lack of training. We often use this test to find out the physical preparedness of athletes. According to Astghik Baghdasaryan the nose is like the “chimney” of the respiratory tract. When it is blocked, a problem can potentially occur in the lower airways because the upper and lower airways are always connected. From the “chimney" to the airways, then to the main organs - the lungs, and the other way: in “Arabkir” MC all areas of healthy breathing are in the center of attention, diagnosing, treating, protecting and preventing in all ways.  

  This year's session of the Speech Development Center for children with hearing impairment concluded with a joyous ceremony. 8 children transitioned to public schools, with developed speech, which hold immeasurable  importance for their further education and life in general. Considering that there are very few of the society, it can be said that special representatives, who know the sign language with which deaf and hard of hearing people communicate, the speech development of these children becomes a top priority, which is what the professional team of the "Arabkir" Medical Center is aiming for. First of all, the correct hearing aids are selected and adjusted for children according to the degree of hearing and individual needs. In parallel with that, consultation meetings with audio therapists are organized. A little later, scheduled classes are conducted - two days of individual sessions and two days of group-musical sessions. Thus, our children start learning from the earliest age, attending classes, feeling responsibility and becoming more organized and independent. This is noticed by their school admissions teachers. We wish you all the best, an interesting and pleasant trip to school, our dears!

March 3rd is World Hearing Day, an important date on the medical calendar.    Hearing is one of our senses that connects us with the world and it requires special attention and care. This year's theme from the World Health Organization is “Ear and hearing care for all”. Specialists are calling for special attention to hearing health, advising regular check-ups with primary care providers and taking immediate steps to prevent further hearing loss, if problems are detected.    “Arabkir” Medical Center is the largest center providing services to children with hearing impairments in Armenia. Here, follow-up care for over 1200 children is carried out. With the help of our audiology team, children even with severe hearing loss learn how to speak, integrate fully into society, including attending public schools.  https://arabkirmc.am/hy/services/93

The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the “Havat” NGO of hard hearing children’s mothers’ combine their efforts towards the mission of creating public values. A memorandum of cooperation was signed between the parties. They will work together to contribute to the socialization of children with hearing impairment, full and effective inclusion of hearing impaired youth in all spheres of public life.   The partnership will be aimed at projects implemented for the purpose of purchasing hearing aids and treatment, to give children the ability to perceive and appreciate the beauty of sound through their hearing. The joint programs will also aim to introduce classical music to hearing impaired children and adolescents. Children with hearing problems were also present at the event and presented their musical, dancing and reciting performances.    The Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra Sergey Smbatyan highlighted the fact that the challenges faced by children with hearing impairment are also challenges for the orchestra. "We all want to build a better society with healthy communication, and it's important that the children here today become our listeners in the future and are able to enjoy the music of the orchestra," said Maestro Smbatyan.   Karine Harutyunyan, a representative of the "Havat" NGO, added: "Musicians represent Armenia to the world through their hearing. Our children need to enter the world, but their hearing is not as good as we would like as parents. Even if the children here today do not become musicians, we want to ensure that they become good people, and we hope that our friendship with the Symphony Orchestra will help to achieve this."   The “Havat” NGO of hearing impaired children’s parents has been operating since 1996 in close proximity to the audiology center of the medical center, where more than 1000 children adolescents aged 0-18 with hearing impairment who live in Armenia are registered.  The scientific head of the “Arabkir” Medical Center Ara Babloyan noted that our main goal is for children to be relaxed and maximally included in society. The signed memorandum is aimed at that goal. The musicians of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, in turn, presented beautiful musical performances to the children, as well as gifts, including Dan Brown’s illustrated book “Wild Symphony”.    Check out the video via the link. 

March 3rd is World Hearing day and this year’s theme is “To hear for life, listen with care”.    Pediatric audiologic service of “Arabkir” MC, which has 1200 children under follow-up care, is a leader in organizing early intervention for the prevention of hearing impairments, early diagnosis and childrens' speech development. Our team cooperates with foreign colleagues and does everything for the health and quality of life of children with hearing impairment.  Find answers to the series of questions about hearing problems in the “Parenting School” playlist of the “Havat” Public Organization that is associated with the audiologic service.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WATcYmeSq14…