In Kyrgyzstan, since 2017, a program for audiological screening of newborns has been successfully functioning, aimed at the early detection of hearing impairments. According to the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, such checks in the first days of life provide children with the opportunity for normal speech development and integration into society.
A specialist in ear, nose, and throat from the National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Munar Beyshenova, noted that hearing tests should be conducted before the child reaches six months of age. If problems are not identified in a timely manner, it can lead to delays in speech development, and subsequent rehabilitation will be much more complicated and less effective.
The program was initially implemented with the support of TIKA, and its development was later continued with the help of UNICEF, which provided maternity hospitals with the necessary diagnostic equipment.
The screening takes place in several stages: the initial examination is conducted directly in the maternity hospital. If the results raise doubts, a re-examination is conducted within 7–30 days, and if necessary, the child is referred for a comprehensive examination (ABR) for accurate hearing diagnosis.
In cases of partial hearing loss, children are provided with hearing aids and comprehensive rehabilitation. In cases of complete deafness, cochlear implantation is performed, which has been carried out since 2018 at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health and is currently free of charge thanks to support from Qatar.
As of today, screening is available in maternity hospitals in Bishkek, as well as in the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Issyk-Kul regions. In 2025, more than 30,000 newborns underwent this procedure.
According to global statistics, one to three newborns per thousand have hearing impairments. Considering that about 138,000 births are registered annually in Kyrgyzstan, it can be assumed that between 130 and 300 newborns may have congenital hearing impairments. Timely diagnosis plays a critical role in this case, as proper rehabilitation gives children a chance for full development and successful socialization.
Experts emphasize that audiological screening provides a unique opportunity for early intervention, allowing children to grow and develop alongside their peers.
