Hearing health remains a largely overlooked aspect of overall well-being, according to Nasif Mohammed, a consultant audiometrist from Hearing Aid Services in Australia. During a recent two-day screening event at My Lab Pte Limited in Labasa Town, he attended to 40 patients, ranging in age from four to 80 years old. Many of these individuals were suffering from various ear issues stemming from improper ear care practices, including perforated eardrums, ear infections, blocked ear canals due to excessive wax, and scar tissue.
Mr. Mohammed noted the lack of local audiometrists in the North, which forces patients to travel to Suva for specialized care. He expressed hope that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services would consider sending an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist to Labasa monthly to provide much-needed assistance for the community.
One particularly poignant moment involved a female patient with hearing impairments who experienced a profound transformation upon receiving a hearing aid. Her emotional response highlights the significant impact that proper hearing care can have on an individual’s quality of life. Mr. Mohammed also recognized the needs of students at Labasa School for Special Education, some of whom urgently require medical intervention and hearing aids.
Reflecting on his experiences before the pandemic, he expressed a desire for more community initiatives to support children requiring hearing treatment, including fundraising for overseas medical trips. Life without the ability to hear greatly hampers one’s ability to communicate, making awareness and better ear care essential.
As awareness about ear health increases, there is hope for improvements in accessibility to audiometric services in the region. With continued advocacy and medical support, individuals suffering from hearing-related issues can look forward to a brighter, more communicative future.
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