Meru Singer Loses Her Hearing Ability After Taking Medicine, Left Financially Drained

• Meru's beloved singer and songwriter, Emma Kaim, has faced an immense struggle after experiencing a life-altering side effect from medicine
• Emma's journey has been one of determination and philanthropy as she navigated her way through hardships and continued to uplift her community
• Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to become the first person in Meru to start a successful business packing traditional fermented uji
• Her innovation not only earned her financial independence but also set an example for others in the community

Meru's vibrant music scene has been struck with sorrow as news broke of Emma Kaim, a talented singer and songwriter, facing a devastating loss of hearing due to a medical mishap.

Emmah loses mum, faces adversity

Emma's inspiring journey of resilience and dedication has touched the hearts of many, making her situation all the more heartrending for those who know her.

Known for her indomitable spirit, Emma told TUKO.co.ke she faced adversity early on when she lost her mother.

However, she refused to be disheartened and instead channelled her entrepreneurial drive to become the first person to start a thriving business of packing traditional fermented uji in Meru.

Her success empowered her financially and inspired others to follow suit.

Apart from her business acumen, Emma's compassionate side shone through her initiative to feed street kids in Meru town.

Taking care of underprivileged children

She made it her mission to ensure that every weekend, these underprivileged children were treated to sumptuous meals at Nteere Park, a gesture that won her admiration and gratitude from the community.

Emma's musical talent added another dimension to her captivating personality.

Her melodious voice and exceptional songwriting skills propelled her to victory in the Safaricom Star Search competition.

She even had the honour of collaborating with renowned artist Wahu on a song. Emma was on the brink of fulfilling her dreams when tragedy struck.

A serious eye problem rendered her completely blind for an extended period.

Emmah loses her hearing ability

Though she underwent treatment and regained some sight, an unfortunate side effect of the medicine she had been taking, particularly Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin), resulted in Ototoxicity - permanent damage to her ears.

"It all started with a Blurry Vision that turned out to be internal bleeding from my eyes. Later then, something called a Retina Detachment,' she narrated.

The devastating outcome left Emma partially blind and entirely deaf, robbing her of the ability to hear the very music that once brought joy to her life.

"The only solution was surgery for both eyes. I once shared this story here, and so many people came in through for me. I have never forgotten that act of kindness, and I will never forget it," she said.

"Unfortunately, after the surgeries, even before I was done with the eye treatment, my ears shut down,' she added.

Witnessing her struggle moved her friends and well-wishers, who resolved to offer her their unwavering support during this trying time.

Emma's financial burden

Despite the bleak circumstances, there is a glimmer of hope for Emma to regain her hearing through Cochlear implant surgery.

This transformative procedure involves intricate surgery to implant artificial eardrums, which are then wired to the brain, potentially restoring her ability to hear.

However, the operation comes with substantial costs, and Emma is in dire need of financial assistance to undertake it.

In response to the call for help, the community has rallied together to aid Emma in her time of need.

Her friends and supporters are spreading the word far and wide, urging even the most influential members of society to contribute to the Cochlear implant fund.

By pooling resources, they hope to alleviate Emma's financial burden and help her return to the life she once knew.

The generosity of the community knows no bounds, and those touched by Emma's story are encouraged to contribute via the provided Paybill Number: 8054407, Account Number: 6253170018, or through NCBA Bank under the name Emma Kiamuri.

MTRH Carries Out Successful Cochlear Implant Surgery

Earlier, the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) on June 21, performed its first cochlear implant surgery.

The special surgery, which took 2 hours, was performed on a young lady diagnosed with post-lingual sensorineural hearing loss.

The procedure was successful, making the Eldoret-based health facility the first public hospital to undertake the specialist surgery in the East and Central African region.

Tthe facility announced that the procedure was conducted by doctor Menach Owen, an Otolaryngologist at MTRH and Badr Eldin Mostafa from Ain Shams University in Egypt.