In 2012, the World Health Organization released its most recent data on hearing loss based on 42 population studies. It is estimated that South Asia, Asia Pacific, and sub-Saharan Africa (which includes Eastern African nations) are the regions with the highest levels of hearing loss in children. Hearing loss among adults over age 65 is also prevalent in the same regions. The deaf community of Eastern Africa faces arduous living conditions due to lack of primary, secondary, and university education; insufficient interpreter services; and limited employment opportunities. Organizations are working to improve the rights of the deaf, but the challenges associated with being deaf remain high across Eastern Africa, particularly in the least-developed and most impoverished nations.

For the most part, the Deaf community in Eastern ...