Expert cautions against use of ear-piece

The Nigerian surgeon spoke about taking care of the nose and ear.

A Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, Vincent Adekoya, on Sunday in Lagos advised against the use ear-piece and exposure to noisy environment to prevent hearing loss.

Mr. Adekoya, a lecturer at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, (LASUTH), gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria to mark international Day for Ear and Hearing.

He said that 90 per cent of hearing loss could be prevented because most of the causes were usually acquired due to ignorance or negligence.

According to him, some pregnant women use drugs indiscriminately during the first three months of baby formation and this can affect the baby’s hearing ability.

“Factory workers are usually exposed to constant noise from machines and can lose their hearing gradually.“

Also, all these ‘Banga’ (firework) they throw around during festive period can actually knock of hearing ability.

“You see some people sitting close to speakers in churches, mosques and events. It’s dangerous to hearing,” he said.

Mr. Adekoya noted that the regular use of ear-piece, which had become trendy among the youth in the society, was dangerous.

“The noise from the ear-piece will gradually affect hearing as it will move from normal, mild and permanent hearing loss.”

The surgeon advised that preventive measures should be taken to prevent hearing loss, saying: “prevention is better than cure”.

He advised employers of factory workers to organise annual routine ear check-ups for their workers to detect early signs of hearing loss.

He warned that people should avoid going close to speakers, avoid regular use of ear-piece and visit a doctor in case you notice any abnormality in hearing or around the ear.

“Early detection and prompt treatment is the only remedy to prevent any form of hearing loss in children and adults,” he said.

March 3 is marked annually to raise awareness and promote community-based activities for ear and hearing health.

This could be done through development and implementation of national plans for primary ear and hearing care via primary health care systems.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), hearing loss is the most prevalent sensory disability globally.

Over 275 million persons in the world are deaf or hearing impaired.

(NAN)