Experts say Covid-19 responsible for a sharp rise in number of hearing-impaired people

Shazia Mehboob

The global pandemic has led to a sharp rise in the number of people working online from home, leading to fears that people working online may be more likely to suffer from hearing loss, say experts in the field.

On-Line workers are advised to take a 10 minutes break every when working on-line. It is understood that the use of hands-free and headphones etc. are more dangerous for hearing than, for example, loudspeakers.

Currently, 45 million people worldwide suffer from hearing problems, and the number could double soon. Noise pollution is one of the reasons for the increase in the number of hearing-impaired people in developing countries, including Pakistan requiring the control management of the noise pollution.

The experts appealed to the government to take steps to reduce the cost of hearing aids.

These thoughts were shared by the experts in a seminar organized by Dow University of Sciences on 3rd March as part of World Hearing Day at Dow International Medical College Ojha Campus. It is observed that whilst the hands-free microphone helps to focus preventing attention being distracted elsewhere but the concentration only in one direction, there is a constant pressure on the hearing.  Nose, Ear and Throat Specialists say that people who are affected by noise pollution do not get an immediate diagnosis. Due to hearing impairment, people find it difficult to engage in conversations and their behaviour is often misunderstood.

Experts at the seminar concluded that after the age of five, children with hearing loss experience difficulties in treatment whilst the elderly complain about the hearing aids being defective and expensive. The experts appealed to the government to take steps to reduce the cost of hearing aids or provide them to the people at low cost or free of cost to the public. These experts noted that whereas human-invented machines have facilitated people, at the same time, these have also increased noise pollution. Some countries have reduced noise pollution by setting strict standards but in countries like ours noise pollution is on the increase instead of decreasing.

There was a need for large-scale public awareness campaigns so that people could understand that hearing loss was a major problem. Dow Medical College Principal Saba Sohail

Experts said slapping on the ear or hearing the sound of a bike through silencer or aerial firing could suddenly affect hearing. Earlier, health professionals and staff walked from OT Complex to OPD block in Ojha Campus and also in Civil Hospital. Dow Medical College Principal Saba Sohail said there was a need for large-scale public awareness campaigns so that people could understand that hearing loss was a major problem.

Civil Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Noor Mohammad Soomro said that deaf children are not only treated but also trained at the Civil Hospital. The World Hearing Day 2022 with the theme “To hear for life, listen with care” was celebrated across the country and in this connection events were organized.

KP Secretary Health Tahir Orakzai Tahir Orakzai while visiting the stalls organized by the BS Audiology students appreciated the models and hoped that this activity will not only provide the opportunity to the students to showcase their knowledge and abilities but will also help in the promotion of awareness about the prevention and precautions of disabilities related to hearing loss.

85 db level of any sound is acceptable for our ears, more than that can cause hearing loss. ENT specialist Dr Mohib Ullah

ENT specialist Dr Mohib Ullah said that 85 db level of any sound is acceptable for our ears, more than that can cause hearing loss. Our hearing ability deteriorates from the age of 45 to 50 and when we reach our 80s, more than half of us suffer from significant hearing loss.

There are many different causes of hearing loss rather than the aging process. It can be hereditary or acquired as it can be triggered by a blast of loud noise, infections, misuse of toxic drugs, the effects of the toxin, or head injury. Another common reason for hearing loss is exposure to noise, he added. He said that the known worldwide outdoor source of noise is transportation systems, including motor vehicle noise, aircraft noise, and rail noise. Poor urban planning may give rise to noise pollution since side-by-side industrial and residential buildings can result in noise pollution.

In Pakistan, there are many sources that cause hearing impairment such as industrial and vehicle noise, particularly pressure horns. KMU vice chancellor Dr Ziaul Haq

KMU vice chancellor Dr Ziaul Haq said that the government should implement the rule and regulations for the prevention of hearing loss for the industrial workers at their workplaces. There should be regular check-ups of vehicles to avoid noisy vehicles on the roads.

Dr Zakirullah said for precautionary measures people should get away from the noisy sights or they should use the air plug. People should not involve themselves in self-medication as many drugs are toxic and can cause permanent hearing loss.

Those who are advised of Hearing Aids by the ENT doctor should use it for comfortable hearing and for the comfort of their families and friends. During the function, students presented tableaus and skits related to deafness and awareness regarding hearing care.