Dimapur, March 3 (EMN): Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland observed ‘World Hearing Day’ on March 3 on the theme “To hear for life, listen with care.”
‘World Hearing Day’ is a campaign held each year on March 3 with the objective to share information and promote actions towards the prevention of hearing loss and improved hearing care. The first event was held in 2007. Before 2016, it was known as International Ear Care Day. Each year, the WHO selects a theme, develops educational materials and distributes them freely in several languages.
In Kohima, the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Kohima, along with Naga Hospital Authority and ENT department headed by Dr. Lozinu Peseyie, ENT senior specialist, observed the day at Government Middle School, D Khel, Seikhazou.
Speaking at a brief function, Melhouvonuo, primary teacher of GMS, thanked the department for choosing the school to observe World Hearing Day, an update from the CMO office stated on Thursday.
In her address, senior specialist Dr. Lozinu Peseyie, mentioned the importance of hearing. She stated that people with hearing impairment tend to isolate themselves from the peer group. She also highlighted WHO hearing impairment data and urged the students to come for screening stating that it is a preventable health issue.
On the occasion, a total of 63 students from class A to 2 were screened to identify hearing problems, out of which 21 students were found with wax, while nine students were identified with conductive hearing loss and seem to be the very first ear check-up. It stated that a total of 12 students underwent a hearing test on audiometry, while six students underwent removal of wax and were advised for follow up screening at NHAK.
It stated that all patients, who required treatment, were distributed free medicines, IEC materials for further information.
Altogether, 300 students and 18 teaching staff have participated at the events.
Mokokchung district also observed the ‘World Hearing Day’ during a programme held at Government Middle School at Alempang ward in Mokokchung town on March 3.
A press release from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Mokokchung, stated that the programme was chaired by Dr. Temsuyanger, DPO (NCD), who also addressed the students and faculty on the significance of the day.
Dr. Imsongienla, MO (RBSK), gave a short health talk on “Deafness and hearing loss.” She has stressed on the importance of hearing and to educate the audience on the functioning of the ears, reasons leading to hearing loss/ deafness, its symptoms and the necessary prompt action to be undertaken.
She further encouraged safe listening habits to safeguard against hearing loss/deafness.
It was followed by a screening test and medical checkup for the students of the school. Altogether, a total of 180 students were screened and treated with medical aid and 15 students were screened for hearing loss.
In a related programme, Longleng district observed the ‘World Hearing Day’ at Bautung Government Higher Secondary School (BGHSS) with the participation of around 200 students and teachers.
In her keynote address, the chief medical officer (CMO) of Longleng, Dr. Obangjungla, stated that the day is observed every year on March 3 since 2007 on different themes.
The principal of BGHSS, Henow Phom, has expressed gratitude to the CMO of Longleng for taking the initiative to observe the ‘World Hearing Day.’
Dr. P Shamjeih Phom, medical officer District Hospital Longleng, spoke on the importance of ear and hearing and safe listening, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Imlinaro, PGT of BGHSS, Longleng.