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Echoes of Silence: Addressing Hearing Health in Labasa

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Hearing care is often overlooked, but according to Nasif Mohammed, an audiometrist with Hearing Aid Services in Australia, proper ear health care is crucial. During a recent two-day screening event at My Lab Pte Limited in Labasa Town, he assessed 40 patients, ranging from as young as four to as old as 80. Mohammed found that many of these individuals were suffering from various ear-related issues, including perforated eardrums, ear infections, blocked ear canals due to wax buildup, and scarring, all resulting from inadequate ear care.

Highlighting the lack of local audiometric services in the northern region, he pointed out that patients often have to travel to Suva for specialist care. This situation underscores the importance of making ear health a priority. Mohammed expressed his hope that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services could arrange for an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to visit Labasa on a monthly basis, providing essential services to the community.

One poignant moment during his screenings was when Mohammed treated a female patient suffering from hearing impairment. Overwhelmed with emotion, he watched as her despair turned to joy when she was able to hear again with the help of a hearing aid. He also worked with students from the Labasa School for Special Education, noting that some needed urgent medical attention and hearing devices.

Reflecting on a similar initiative he facilitated pre-pandemic with the Lions Club of Labasa, Mohammed expressed a desire to revitalize community efforts to support children needing overseas medical care. His visits highlight a pressing issue: individuals without the ability to hear face substantial challenges in daily life and communication.

Mohammed’s experience emphasizes the need for greater awareness of ear care and the potential to significantly improve lives through proper treatment and support. By advocating for more local services and raising funds for necessary medical interventions, the community can take meaningful steps toward assisting those who struggle with hearing impairment.


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