Although science-based medicine is gaining momentum in Malawi, witchcraft remains a widespread means of healing ailments in remote villages. Unfortunately, when the deaf adopt this traditional approach, they are often instructed to fill their ears with plant and other material, causing further damage. Furthermore, the belief of being ‘under a curse’ instigates a negative social stigma toward those who are hard of hearing and consequently leaves them at a disadvantage socially and developmentally.
