Kenya radio presenter Alex Mwakideu has opened up about his personal challenge losing part of his hearing.
He revealed that he lost between 45% and 50% of hearing in his left ear, a diagnosis that has reshaped his journey but not diminished his passion for broadcasting. He said 22 years of his life have been surrounded by sound.
Mwakideu, who currently works with Radio 47, said his career has been through studios, clubs and other environments where loud sound is part of his daily routine.
According to Mwakideu, his hearing problem first became notable in ordinary situations, including during conversations with his wife and children, especially where there is background noise.
“One time we are talking and one time I can’t hear them. When brushing my teeth and my wife is talking to me, I have to stop to hear,” Mwakideu said.
In a recent medical consultation, Mwakideu was diagnosed with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss, a condition that affects the inner ear, particularly the cochlea. He chose to share his story openly, breaking the silence around a condition that many face privately.
He stated sometimes at work, people assume he is ignoring them, yet he struggling to hear what they are trying to say, including his workmates. He added that sometimes he distances himself during social gatherings, which affects his social and professional life.
