World Hearing Day was observed on Monday across Nagaland, on the theme "Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all”
A
health worker conducting an ear screening at Chunlikha PHC in Tseminyu as part
of World Hearing Day observance on Monday.
DIMAPUR — World Hearing Day was observed on
Monday across the state, on the theme "Changing mindsets: empower yourself
to make ear and hearing care a reality for all”.
District Health Society, Mon:
District Health Society Mon
observed the day at Little Flower School, during which Dr. Tsemtseh, medical
officer (MO), Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK), explained to the
students the do’s and don’ts of good ear health, stated an update.
He stated that one should avoid earbuds, pay attention to
pain, avoid using earphones at high volumes or for long periods of time, get
ears and hearing examined regularly, dry ears after showering or swimming, and
see a specialist to have excess ear wax removed.
He also stated that how one hears in the future depends on
how ears are cared for today, as many cases of hearing loss can be avoided by
practicing safe listening and healthy hearing habits. Early detection and
access to timely therapy are vital to ensure good hearing health throughout
life.
Following the programme, Dr. Wanmei, MO of Urban PHC, and
his staff, along with the RBSK team, conducted an ear screening and overall
health assessment.
District Health Society, Zunheboto: The District Health
Society, Zunheboto, in collaboration with the National Programme for Prevention
and Control of Deafness (NPPCD), observed the day at Government Middle School,
Nito Mount.
The session was led by Dr. Josia Sema, ENT specialist at
District Hospital Zunheboto, who educated participants on the common causes of
deafness, preventive measures, and the need for timely medical intervention.
A free ear screening camp was also conducted by the RBSK
mobile health team, Zunheboto, in coordination with Dr. Josia. The screening
focused on the early detection of hearing impairments, including common
conditions such as earwax impaction and early signs of hearing loss.
During the camp, children diagnosed with Acute Otitis Media
(AOM) and other hearing-related concerns were referred to higher healthcare
facilities for further evaluation and treatment.
Chunlikha PHC: The day was also observed at Chunlikha PHC in
Tseminyu, with a health talk on the National Programme for Prevention and
Control of Deafness delivered by Dr. Lozino, senior specialist at Naga Hospital
Authority Kohima, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Thomas Keppen, Deputy
Director of Department of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW).
Dr. Lozino, in her speech, emphasising the critical role of
early diagnosis and intervention in preventing hearing loss, highlighted that
hearing impairment is a growing public health concern and stressed the
importance of routine hearing screenings, especially among children and the
elderly.
She further explained that noise pollution, untreated
infections, prolonged exposure to loud sounds, and lack of awareness are major
contributing factors to hearing loss. Dr. Lozino urged community members to
take preventive measures such as avoiding excessive noise exposure, seeking
timely medical intervention for ear infections, using protective devices like
earplugs in noisy environments, and undergoing regular hearing check-ups.
Additionally, she outlined the services provided under
NPPCD, including free screenings, early intervention programmes, and
rehabilitation support for those with hearing impairments.
In his keynote address, Dr. Keppen stressed the government’s
commitment to ensuring accessible and affordable ear and hearing care for all.
He pointed out that hearing impairment not only affects an individual's quality
of life but also has social and economic implications if left untreated.
Dr. Keppen stressed the need for strengthening primary
healthcare facilities to offer early screening and treatment services,
particularly in rural areas. He also urged stakeholders, including health
workers, educators, and community leaders, to work together in promoting
hearing health awareness.
As part of the observance, a hearing screening camp was
conducted, benefiting 70 patients, of whom 32 were senior citizens. The
screenings aimed to identify early signs of hearing loss and provide medical
guidance for necessary interventions.
District Health Society, Tuensang: The District Health
Society Tuensang launched Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) and also
observed World Hearing Day.
DPO (RMNCAH+N) Dr. Y. Waulong Phom, on the occasion, briefed
on the goals and objectives of SUMAN, its vision, and the SUMAN initiative. He
also emphasised the importance of quality assurance under SUMAN, entitlements
under the initiative, notification of facilities under SUMAN, community
engagement under SUMAN, and the operational guidelines for gestational diabetes
mellitus.
District programme officer (DPO), Reproductive Maternal
Newborn Child Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N), Dr. Y Waulong Phom,
on the occasion, briefed on the goals and objectives of SUMAN, its vision, and
the SUMAN initiative.
He also emphasised the importance of quality assurance under
SUMAN, entitlements under the initiative, notification of facilities under
SUMAN, community engagement under SUMAN, and the operational guidelines for
gestational diabetes mellitus.
OBG and Gynae at District Hospital Tuensang, Dr. Nungsang,
presented on conducting quality ANC (clinical) and recording in the MCP card,
with a focus on high-risk pregnancy identification, gestational diabetes
mellitus, and the importance of diagnosis at all levels of facilities, along
with referral for management at the FRU.
A free ear screening camp was led by ENT specialist at District
Hospital Tuensang, Dr. Chensangba Chang, and assisted by nurses from the
district hospital. More than 80 people were screened during the camp.
