Wateen al-Ajrami, just over a year old, lost 85-90% of her hearing after an Israeli strike in Jabalia, northern Gaza, in August 2023. Her mother Mariam says the blast wave damaged her ears, though no external injuries were visible.

Days later, the family noticed Wateen wasn't responding to sounds. Tests revealed severe hearing loss: 85% in her left ear and 90% in her right. Doctors attributed it to the blast wave, noting such cases have surged since Israel's war on Gaza began in October 2023.

UN agencies and health organizations report a sharp rise in children with hearing loss due to explosions. Before the war, about 20,000 people had hearing disabilities; now estimates range from 30,000 to 40,000, including many children.

Usaid al-Shami, three, lost his hearing at four months old. His mother Mariam says he cannot hear barking dogs or approaching vehicles, putting him in constant danger. "I live in constant fear, as if in another war within the war," she says.

Fadel Kuraz, a sign language interpreter, says the number of people with hearing loss has risen to around 35,000. He blames the Israeli blockade for severe shortages of hearing aids, batteries, and cochlear implant parts.

Both Wateen and Usaid need cochlear implant surgery, available only outside Gaza. Israel restricts medical travel. Doctors recommend surgery before age five for effectiveness.

Wateen's mother Mariam says, "I don't want anything... just for her to travel and receive a cochlear implant." She worries about her daughter's future: "How will she hear? How will she learn? How will she speak?"

Source: www.aljazeera.com