Health official attending to a student during World Hearing
Day programme in Phek town on March 3.
DIMAPUR — Phek,
Wokha and Peren districts observed ‘World Hearing Day’ on March 3 on the theme
“Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for
all.”
The day was observed to raise awareness about the importance
of ear and hearing care and the prevention of hearing loss.
The event in Phek town was held at Netaji Subash Chandra
Bose Avasiya Vidyalaya, a residential girls hostel, which was established in
the year 2016 with an aim to educate and encourage the economically, socially
deprived girls.
An update from the office of the chief medical officer
(CMO), Phek, stated that Dr. Avono Medoze, medical officer of Rashtiya Bal
Swasthya Karyakaram (RBSK), has highlighted on the rising cases of hearing loss
especially among the young people due to excessive headphone usage. She also
emphasised the safe listening habits, early intervention and breaking the
stigma around the hearing impairment.
“Hearing loss is rising at an alarming rate, yet many people
neglect their ear health until it is too late. In today’s world, hearing loss
is no longer just an issue for the elderly. Studies shows that more young
people are losing their hearing at an early age compared to previous
generations because of prolonged exposure to loud noise, especially from
headphones and earphones,” De. Medoze said.
She also shared the safe limit for the human ear: below 70
dB normal conversation–60 dB, headphones at max volume of 100-110 dB etc.
She informed that ear infections particularly otitis media
(middle ear infection) are one of the leading causes of preventable deafness if
left untreated. The infection is common in children and could lead to hearing
impairment, ruptured eardrums and permanent hearing loss etc., she informed.
After the programme, a hearing screening camp was conducted
where the students with different ear problems were screened. Necessary
medicines were provided and those cases which required further care were
referred to higher health facilities.
Pamphlets on ear and hearing health were distributed to the
participants.
Meanwhile, World Hearing Day in Wokha was observed at
Government Middle School, GA Colony in Wokha town.
Speaking to the students during the programme, Dr.
Thungchangbeni Patton, medical officer of RBSK, highlighted the factors leading
to hearing loss such as ear hygiene, exposure to loud noises, ear trauma and
health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. She encouraged
regular health check-ups to prevent hearing loss.
Dr. Patton informed that with the advancement of technology
in healthcare, various hearing aids are available and the healthcare
professionals are there to guide people with hearing loss.
The RBSK team also conducted audiometry test on the students
along with regular health check-up.
The World Hearing Day in Peren district was observed at the
Government Middle School, Samziuram Sector-A.
It stated that Dr. Zhoveyo Vero shared valuable insights
into the prevalence and morbidity of hearing loss. He highlighted that around
20% of the global population suffers from hearing loss and expected to increase
due to the rise in industrialisation and machineries. He emphasised that
approximately 50% of hearing loss cases are preventable.
Dr. Vero also addressed the impact of hearing loss on
children, noting that 2% of children suffer from hearing loss, which could
affect their ability to develop speech, language and social skills and lead to
depression. He outlined common causes of hearing loss and the signs to watch for
in children.
Additionally, he discussed the "4Ps" of hearing
loss—Progressive, Painless, Permanent and Preventable—and provided preventive
measures.
Following the health talk, a free health screening session
was conducted for the children.
A total of 96 children were screened and those diagnosed
with hearing-related ailments were provided with the necessary medications.
