The importance of ear care is often overlooked, as noted by Nasif Mohammed, an audiometrist from Hearing Aid Services in Australia. Recently, he conducted a two-day screening event at My Lab Pte Limited in Labasa Town, where he attended to 40 patients, ranging from just four years old to 80.
Mohammed observed that many patients suffered from various ear conditions, including perforated eardrums, ear infections, blockage due to earwax, and scar tissue. He noted a troubling lack of local audiometric services in the northern region, which forces patients to travel long distances to seek help in Suva.
During his clinics, he encountered patients like a female who had been feeling depressed due to her hearing impairment. After receiving treatment and fitting for a hearing aid, the emotional impact was profound, as she experienced the joy of hearing voices again. Mohammed also treated students from the Labasa School for Special Education, highlighting the urgent need for medical attention and hearing aids among children.
Reflecting on his experiences, he expressed a desire for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to assign an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist to Labasa regularly, which would significantly benefit those in need. He reminisced about previous services organized by the Lions Club Labasa before the pandemic, calling for increased collaboration and fundraising efforts to provide overseas medical treatments for children with hearing issues.
Ultimately, Mohammed emphasized the crucial role that hearing plays in communication and quality of life, advocating for greater awareness and resources for ear health in Labasa.
In summary, this initiative sheds light on the ongoing challenges of ear care in rural areas and the potential for positive change through increased awareness, resources, and community support. With proactive measures and funding, many lives could be improved dramatically, as access to proper ear care directly enhances communication and quality of life. It’s a hopeful reminder that together, communities can address health disparities and make a significant impact.
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