Hearing health is often overlooked, and many people do not understand how to take care of their ears, according to Nasif Mohammed, an audiometrist from Hearing Aid Services in Australia. Recently, he conducted two days of ear screenings at My Lab Pte Limited in Labasa Town, where he evaluated 40 patients, ranging from a four-year-old child to an 80-year-old adult.
During his assessments, Mohammed identified several common issues among patients, including perforated eardrums, ear infections, blockages from excess earwax, scar tissue, and ear discharges that were not properly managed. He noted a significant lack of local access to audiometric services, mentioning that many residents must travel to Suva for medical advice.
Mr. Mohammed expressed his hope that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services would consider sending an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist to Labasa on a monthly basis to address the needs of the community. During his time at the clinic, he witnessed a particularly emotional moment where a female patient, who had been feeling depressed due to her hearing impairment, experienced joy upon receiving a hearing aid and being able to hear again.
Additionally, he assessed several students from the Labasa School for Special Education, some of whom required urgent medical assistance and hearing aids. Reflecting on his previous visits before the pandemic, he remarked on the desperate need for increased support for children with hearing issues, advocating for fundraising efforts to facilitate overseas treatment for those in need.
Mr. Mohammed emphasized the profound impact that hearing loss can have on individuals’ lives, particularly in terms of communication and social interaction. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about ear health, highlighting that living without the ability to hear is a significant challenge.
As the issue of hearing health comes to light, there is an opportunity for communities to rally together to improve access to care and support individuals living with hearing impairments, creating a more inclusive environment for all.
In summary, the visit of Nasif Mohammed has shed light on the critical need for ear care services in Labasa, inspiring hope for future improvements in hearing health accessibility in the region. This initiative could pave the way for better health outcomes for those suffering from hearing-related issues.
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