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Silent Suffering: The Hidden Crisis of Hearing Impairment in Labasa

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Hearing health is often neglected, according to Nasif Mohammed, an audiometrist with Hearing Aid Services in Australia. During a recent screening event at My Lab Pte Limited in Labasa Town, he treated 40 patients, ranging from a four-year-old to an 80-year-old, revealing a concerning trend in ear mismanagement. Mohammed observed issues like perforated eardrums, ear infections, and blocked ear canals due to ear wax buildup among the individuals he examined.

Highlighting the lack of local audiometric services in the northern regions, he expressed the need for an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist to visit Labasa monthly to provide necessary medical assistance. In one poignant moment, he described the emotional experience of helping a woman with hearing impairment, who broke down in joy after receiving a hearing aid and being able to hear again.

Additionally, he noted the presence of students from the Labasa School for Special Education who were also in need of immediate care and hearing aids. Reflecting on his past participation in community services organized by the Lions Club Labasa before the pandemic, Mohammed voiced a desire for further initiatives to raise funds for children needing treatment, possibly even to facilitate overseas medical assistance.

He stressed the importance of hearing as an essential part of communication and daily life, urging greater awareness of ear health within the community. His return to Labasa has reignited his commitment to raising awareness about the significance of proper ear care and treatment options available.

This article underscores the importance of integrating audiology services into community health programs, with the hope that increasing awareness will lead to improved quality of life for those with hearing difficulties. The community’s proactive steps toward supporting individuals in need can make a significant difference in fostering a more inclusive environment for everyone.


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