By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY
Health experts have advised individuals to prioritize proper ear care, early detection of infection and noise control to prevent long-term hearing loss.
Healthy hearing, according to experts result in positive health outcomes, eliminates the frustration of missing out on conversations among others.
Hearing they say, is a critical sense that allows communication, social interaction and awareness of one’s surroundings.
This was made known when Gold Fields Ghana Foundation in partnership with the Western Region branch of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Nurses Society, held an educational session on hearing health- the impact of hearing loss and how to prevent it during the World Hearing Day at Tarkwa, in the Western Region.
The educational sessions were held at New Atuabo Community Basic School, John Taylor Municipal Assembly Basic School, New Atuabo as well as St. Mary’s Anglican Basic School, New Atuabo.
It was on the theme; “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All”.
The day was set aside to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.
Madam Judith Adoma Forkuoh, Principal Nursing Officer at the ENT Department of the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital noted that early detection of any ear problem is critical in preventing hearing loss.
“If we detect a defect early, we can correct it rather than waiting for it to worsen” she explained
She introduced the “Catch Them Young” initiative, which screened newborns for ear defects within the first week of life as well as school children.
The screening according to her revealed a worrying number of hearing problems among children. Many of the cases were linked to untreated infections, exposure to noise pollution, and poor ear care habits.
She highlighted fungal ear infections caused by dirty water, warning parents to be vigilant,especially when their children have colds.
“A simple cold can extend to the ears and nose. If left untreated, the infection will worsen and cause hearing damage. Parents must check on their children and seek medical attention if there is any sign of infection,” she advised.
Noise pollution: A growing threat to hearing
Madam Forkuoh also raised concerns about noise-induced hearing loss, which is becoming more common due to excessive noise from milling machines, motorcycles, loudspeakers at the funeral and market centers.
“The ear can only tolerate a certain level of noise. If it exceeds that level, it causes damage. People working in milling shops should wear earplugs. Motorcyclists and those who preach with loudspeakers in public places should lower the volume. Even in markets and lorry stations, the constant honking of cars is affecting people’s hearing,” she cautioned.
She advised the public to avoid sitting close to loudspeakers at funerals and parties to prevent long-term hearing damage.
Discoveries from school screening
Dr. Magdalene Bakari, Lead Specialist for Health Services at Gold Fields Ghana, revealed that the hearing screening at the various schools indicates several cases of foreign objects stuck in children’s ears, wax blockages and undiagnosed infections.
“We found cotton buds, wax blockages, and even some objects that had started decomposing in the ears of some children. Many of these conditions have been left untreated for a long time, yet parents failed to notice or take action,” Dr. Bakari said.
She warned against the use of cotton buds, feathers, and pen caps to clean ears, stressing that they can cause severe damage.
“We extracted cotton from a pupil’s ear, which had absorbed moisture and started rotting. Cotton buds are not meant for ear cleaning. They cause more harm than good. Parents should stop using them,” she advised.
Dr. Bakari also expressed concern about parents attempting to treat ear infections at home instead of seeking professional medical care.
“If you notice a discharge from your child’s ear or signs of ear pain, do not administer your own medication. Take them to a hospital immediately to avoid permanent damage,” she cautioned.
School authorities worried over parents’ negligence
The Headteacher of New Atuabo Saint Mary’s Anglican Basic School, Madam Kate Nkrumah, expressed frustration over parents’ lack of concern for their children’s hearing health.
“We often call on parents to take their children to the hospital when we notice hearing problems, but many of them ignore us. Now that the screening has identified cases, we hope parents will take action,” she said.
Some of the schoolchildren admitted to using foreign objects in their ears, such as matchsticks and pen caps, while one student shared how he got a cut on his ear while playing football and tried treating it with hot water instead of visiting a hospital.
Call for stricter noise pollution regulations
Experts are calling on authorities to strictly enforce noise pollution regulations to protect the public from noise-induced hearing loss.
“Noise levels in Ghana are dangerously high, yet enforcement of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations remains weak. Excessive noise is permanently damaging people’s hearing, and we must act now to prevent a future crisis,” Dr. Bakari warned.
