According to the ministry's information, in 2025, more than 30,000 newborns underwent this screening.
Statistical data indicates that one to three children per thousand have hearing impairments at birth.
Considering that approximately 138,000 newborns are born in the country each year, this means that between 130 and 300 children may face congenital hearing problems. Therefore, early diagnosis is critically important, as timely detection and adequate rehabilitation provide children with the opportunity for full development and successful social integration.
Hearing examinations in the first days of life should become mandatory for all newborns, as hearing is a key element for the development of speech, thinking, and communication.
Photo of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic
According to experts, previously, hearing impairments in children were often identified only at the age of 3–6 years, when opportunities for effective correction were significantly limited. However, the situation has begun to change.
Today, audiological screening is conducted in several maternity hospitals located in Bishkek, Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Issyk-Kul regions. If any region lacks the necessary equipment, children are referred to the National Center for Maternal and Child Health (NCMCH) via electronic referral for examination by audiologists.
As explained by ENT doctor and project manager of the audiological screening in Kyrgyzstan, Munar Beyshenova, it is important to conduct hearing examinations before the child reaches six months of age. Incorrect or late identification of problems can slow down speech development or even lead to its cessation, and rehabilitation at a later age proves to be more complex and not always effective.
The audiological screening program began its work in Kyrgyzstan in 2017.
Initially, the initiative was supported by TIKA, and then continued to develop through collaboration with UNICEF, which provided the necessary equipment to medical institutions.
The examination procedure is carried out in several stages. In the first stage, newborns undergo screening in maternity wards. If a child does not pass the initial screening, a follow-up examination is scheduled within 7–30 days, as there may be fluid remaining in the ears or technical issues may arise.
If doubts remain after the follow-up check, the baby is referred for more in-depth diagnostics, which allows for accurate determination of hearing status and, if necessary, timely initiation of treatment and rehabilitation.
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After the diagnosis is completed, specialists develop a plan for further treatment and rehabilitation. For partial hearing loss, children are provided with hearing aids and comprehensive rehabilitation is carried out. In cases of complete deafness, the child is referred for cochlear implantation. Such surgeries have been performed in Kyrgyzstan since 2018 at the NCMCH, and now, thanks to support from Qatar, they are performed free of charge. After the surgery, children continue to undergo a lengthy rehabilitation process under the supervision of doctors.
