Parents and guardians have been identified as critical contributors in the rehabilitation journey of children with hearing impairment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This was the central message at a recent family curriculum workshop organised by MED-EL Africa in collaboration with the National Ear Centre, Kaduna, and Khalifa Medical and Hearing Limited. The event aimed to empower parents—especially those raising children with cochlear implants and other hearing devices—with practical tools and techniques to support speech and communication development at home.

Speaking at the workshop, Yvonne Kehinde, a Rehabilitation Specialist with MED-EL Africa, underscored the unique role families play:

“Therapists may come and go, but family members remain a constant. That’s why we developed this curriculum—to empower parents, who are the best and most consistent therapists their children will ever have.”

A statement issued by Silke Artner, from MED-EL’s Public Relations and Corporate Communications Department, noted that participants also received training on basic first aid and inclusive practices to help children with hearing loss thrive.

The sessions were led by experienced speech and rehabilitation experts, including Anna Vangerwua, Musbau Adeyemi, Rufai Abdulmumin, Yvonne Kehinde, and Haulat Yakubu Leko, who demonstrated practical techniques families can use at home.

MED-EL, a leading provider of hearing implants and auditory solutions in Nigeria, offers a wide range of technologies, including cochlear and middle ear implants, auditory brainstem implants, electric-acoustic stimulation devices, and bone conduction systems, both surgical and non-surgical.

Haulat Yakubu Leko, one of the event coordinators, explained that the workshop was tailored to equip families with skills to enhance their children’s language and speech development.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the National Ear Centre, Dr Mustapha Yaro, stressed that what happens at home is just as important—if not more—than what happens in the clinic:

“Family involvement is crucial in the holistic care of hearing loss. Parents must be properly equipped to guide their children on this lifelong journey.”

MED-EL Nigeria’s Country Manager, Dagi Francis, echoed this sentiment, encouraging families to apply the skills they’ve learned to nurture their children’s growth and communication abilities.

Oluwadamilola Akinade, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for MED-EL Africa, emphasized that the organisation’s commitment goes beyond technology:

“Our mission is not only to provide hearing implants but also to ensure the everyday progress and empowerment of families. This is why initiatives like the family curriculum workshop are so vital.”

She added that MED-EL aims to build an informed and connected support system throughout the region.

Parents who participated in the workshop expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
Yukayat Salihu, one of the attendees, said:

“This workshop was incredibly helpful. I learned from experts and connected with other parents facing similar challenges. I hope more families can benefit from such programmes.”

According to MED-EL, similar workshops are planned for rollout in other countries soon.