Wateen al-Ajrami, who was just over a year old, experienced a devastating event that would forever change her life. Last August, a blast during an Israeli strike shook the storage room in Jabalia, Gaza, where her extended family was seeking refuge. As her mother, Mariam, recalled, Wateen stood beside a door when the explosion occurred, and while there were no immediate physical injuries, the psychological impact was profound and lasting.
Initially, Wateen appeared to be unharmed, but soon after, Mariam noticed worrying signs. “I would call Wateen and she wouldn’t respond,” she recounted, adding that her daughter began to point to her ears. A hearing test confirmed Mariam’s fears — Wateen had suffered extensive hearing loss, with 85 percent impairment in her left ear and 90 percent in her right ear, categorizing her condition as severe to profound hearing loss.
The medical team explained that the shockwave from the blast caused this significant injury, a troubling revelation during a period where similar cases have emerged due to increased violence in Gaza. The war, intensified in October 2023, has led to numerous children suffering hearing loss, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation.
Since that time, Wateen’s family has entered a relentless cycle of medical evaluations and attempts to secure a solution that might enable her to regain her hearing. Their efforts include detailed examinations and an MRI scan, along with petitions to the World Health Organization for a medical referral to seek treatment outside Gaza, where options remain tragically limited.
A report from United Nations agencies indicates a stark rise in hearing impairment among children in Gaza, attributed primarily to incessant explosions and bombardments. Medical professionals identify blast waves as a leading cause of inner ear damage, resulting in both physiological and psychological trauma. Before the onset of the war, approximately 20,000 individuals in Gaza were estimated to live with hearing disabilities. However, that figure has rapidly escalated to between 30,000 and 40,000, primarily affecting the youngest members of society.
Organizations dedicated to supporting the deaf and hard of hearing in Gaza have reported significant shortages in essential hearing devices, batteries, and rehabilitation aids due to ongoing import restrictions. While the blockade has posed challenges to medical supplies, local activists continue to advocate for accessibility to critical hearing devices that could benefit thousands of individuals in urgent need.
As Wateen undergoes speech and auditory rehabilitation at Hamad Hospital in Gaza, specialists strive to assist her in developing her communication skills, despite her hearing challenges. Two hearing aids have been provided to her, facilitating a modest improvement in her awareness of sound. Yet, experts underscore the necessity for cochlear implants for both Wateen and other affected children, which are only available outside Gaza. The obstacles to travel continue to hinder opportunities for essential surgeries.
Mariam constantly fears for Wateen’s development, knowing that time is of the essence. Doctors recommend cochlear implantation before the age of five to maximize effectiveness, intensifying the urgency of their situation. At home, family dynamics shift as they strive to nurture Wateen’s growth in an environment where sound is both a barrier and a bridge to connection.
Ultimately, Mariam’s poignant reflections illustrate the immense challenges faced by families impacted by conflict, underscoring the need for international attention and support to ensure that children like Wateen are given the opportunity to thrive.
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