How water inside woman's ear caused nine-year-long hearing loss
Cecilia Kerubo speaks to the media after a successful ear surgery during the ENT medical camp at PGH held on September 6, 2023.
Ms Cecilia Kerubo, 63, could not hide her joy after finding the solution for the ear problem that has burdened her for over nine years.
Since 2014, the mother of six has been struggling with a hearing problem which has seen frequent visits to different hospitals in search for a cure.
Her troubles began one morning in 2014 when water entered her left ear while she was taking a shower. To her, it was just a common occurrence. She thought the water would eventually come out but it did not.
Instead, blood started oozing from the ear causing a blockage in the hearing that led to the eventual loss of hearing from the ear.
She became worried and decided to seek the attention of the doctors at the Nakuru Level five hospital.
She was diagnosed with an ear infection and doctors prescribed medication.
Doctors at Nakuru Teaching and Referral hospital conduct ear surgery during the ENT medical camp on September 6, 2023.
Her condition however, deteriorated further, prompting closer attention. The doctors conducted scans which revealed a tear in her ear.
“I was prescribed drugs which some I got from the hospital while others were to be acquired from the private chemists. I purchased those that I could afford,” said Ms Kerubo.
This became her new lifestyle of frequenting the hospital to get the new doses.
But her saving grace came in September 2023 when the Nakuru Level Five hospital hosted a medical camp for the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery.
She was lucky to be among the 13 patients who were taken through surgery on Wednesday.
And after coming out of surgery, Ms Kerubo appeared relieved and could not hide her joy as she thanked the doctors for restoring her ability to hear.
“It has been such a difficult journey and I am glad it has finally come to an end,” said Ms Kerubo.
Dr. Michael Sitima, an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon at the hospital, explained that ear disease is a prevalent cause of hearing loss in Kenya and common among children.
Dr Michael Sitima is and ENT surgeon at Nakuru teaching and referral hospital.
Dr Sitima explained that the condition can arise from various sources, including flu, contaminated water in pools or rivers, or upper respiratory tract infections that spread to the ear adding that it is usually marked by ear discharge.
The doctor regretted that most people do not take the disease seriously until it is too late and appealed to members of the public to be seeking treatment from qualified doctors should they get any infection.
“Most communities believe the ear disease is normal and never seek medical care until it is late. However, any infection from the ear should be attended to by a qualified medical practitioner,” said Dr Sitima.
"We have already operated on 13 patients and intend to do 12 more to meet our target of 25 patients, and we encourage our citizens to always seek care," he added.
The week long ENT camp was organised through the partnership between Nakuru county and the University of Kentucky.