In recent years, a program for audiological screening of newborns has been successfully functioning in Kyrgyzstan, which allows for the diagnosis of hearing impairments within the first days after birth. Early detection of these issues is critically important for the full development of speech and subsequent socialization of children, as noted by the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic.
According to information from ENT doctor Munar Beyshenova of the National Center for Maternal and Child Health, hearing tests should be conducted before the child reaches six months of age. Neglecting this procedure can lead to significant delays in speech development, and rehabilitation will be more complex and less effective later on.
The program was launched in 2017 with the support of TIKA, and its development has been made possible thanks to assistance from UNICEF, which provided maternity hospitals with the necessary equipment.
The examination process takes place in several stages: initial screening is conducted in the maternity hospital. In case of questionable results, a follow-up examination is scheduled within 7–30 days. If necessary, the child is referred for in-depth diagnostics (ABR), which allows for an accurate assessment of hearing status.
For children with partial hearing loss, hearing aids are provided, along with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. In cases of complete deafness, cochlear implantation is performed. Such surgeries began in 2018 at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health and are currently carried out free of charge thanks to support from Qatar.
At present, screening is available in maternity hospitals in Bishkek, as well as in the Osh, Jalal-Abad, and Issyk-Kul regions. In 2025 alone, more than 30,000 newborns underwent this procedure.
According to global statistics, one to three out of every thousand newborns suffer from hearing impairments. Considering that approximately 138,000 children are born in Kyrgyzstan each year, it is estimated that 130–300 newborns may have congenital hearing impairments. This makes early diagnosis particularly important—timely detection and proper rehabilitation provide children with a high chance of full development and successful social adaptation.
Experts emphasize that audiological screening is an opportunity to ensure a child's future, allowing them to grow and develop alongside their peers.
