Hearing impairment is defined as a situation where an individual cannot perceive sounds at a typical auditory level of 20 decibels or greater bilaterally.
The World Health Organization classifies hearing loss as mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, or profound. Nonetheless, this condition may impact either one ear or both ears and frequently causes challenges in comprehending spoken conversations or perceiving loud noises.
The World Health Organization has predicted that by 2050, around 2.5 billion individuals may experience some level of hearing impairment, with over 700 million needing hearing rehabilitation services.
A report in 2020 indicated that approximately 8.5 million Nigerians are grappling with hearing loss. Surprisingly, the nation has fewer than 300 audiologists available to address these auditory problems.
Olusegun Jimoh, a doctoral researcher at the Southern Illinois University of Medicine, pointed out that even though hearing loss "does not pose an immediate threat to one's life, it considerably affects their overall quality of living." People suffering from this impairment might find communicating difficult, feel socially isolated, and encounter obstacles in routine tasks.
Jimoh additionally pointed out that numerous individuals with hearing impairment "experience feelings of exclusion, dependence, or frustration due to the challenges they encounter in settings not tailored to their requirements."
It is crucial to recognize that individuals with hearing loss merit respect, empathy, and comprehensive social backing. Rather than viewing them as liabilities, society ought to welcome and strengthen them, fostering environments where they can flourish.
Dr. Oredola Bello, a medical practitioner, highlighted that numerous Nigerians experience hearing loss because of consistent exposure to factors that impair their auditory capabilities.
This encompasses noise pollution, misuse of earphones, gunfire, drug use, and inadequate attention to ear health. He stressed that preventing hearing loss is more effective than attempting to treat it later.
Here are some methods for curing hearing loss:
Seek support
Jimoh recommended that families and caregivers offer both emotional and medical backing to individuals suffering from hearing loss, as well as safeguarding their overall welfare.
“Conductive hearing loss caused by infections, fluid buildup, or earwax can often be treated with medications or minor procedures. Antibiotics, antifungal drugs, professional earwax removal, or tympanostomy tubes can help restore hearing,” he added.
Avoid self-medication
Bello recommended that individuals with hearing impairment should refrain from consuming medication unless prescribed by a medical professional.
"There are instances where individuals turn to self-help methods to address hearing loss, but extensive experience has demonstrated that often these approaches only complicate the treatment instead of providing assistance," he stated.
Jimoh similarly encouraged patients to seek medical counsel, mentioning that experts in pharmaceuticals are "working on developing otoprotective medications aimed at preventing and reversing cochlear damage, frequently linked to hearing impairment. Certain small molecules appear promising in restoring hair cells and synapses, as several clinical studies are currently progressing."
Consult specialists
Bello recommended that parents whose children exhibit signs of hearing loss should consult ear, nose, and throat specialists.
It is not unusual for numerous parents to swiftly seek help from an auxiliary nurse in their area or purchase medications from a street-side vendor when they detect hearing loss in their children. In certain instances, they might also consult herbalists.
It is advisable to seek assistance from trained professionals who can manage these matters more effectively and offer the most suitable support.
Be informed
Jimoh explained that people need to keep up with scientific innovations that have been designed to restore hearing.
Surgical interventions like tympanoplasty and stapedectomy can correct conductive hearing loss resulting from physical damages. For people suffering from severe sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear implants can assist by directly activating the auditory nerve.
Gene therapy along with stem cell research is focused on repairing injured cochlear hair cells and regenerating missing auditory cells. Despite being in clinical trials, these methods hold promise for treating permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
He mentioned that there are also sophisticated hearing aids and cochlear implants available, which can improve communication for individuals with irreversible hearing loss.
Emphasise prevention
Jimoh highlighted ways by which hearing loss could be prevented by protecting the ear from loud noise through the use of earplugs in loud environment and following the 60/60 rule (listening at 60 per cent volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time).
He cautioned, "Refrain from inserting cotton swabs or any objects into the ear canal, as this might push the wax further in or harm the eardrum; opt for professional earwax removal when necessary."
Manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease through a healthy lifestyle to ensure good blood flow within your inner ear. Regularly undergo hearing examinations, particularly if you're frequently around loud noises or noticing symptoms such as ringing in the ears or trouble hearing.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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