Hearing health often goes overlooked, yet it’s critical for overall well-being, emphasizes Nasif Mohammed, an audiometrist from Hearing Aid Services in Australia. During a recent two-day screening event at My Lab Pte Limited in Labasa Town, Mohammed attended to 40 patients, ranging from four to 80 years old, highlighting the diverse needs of the community.
Many of these patients experienced common ear issues such as perforated eardrums, ear infections, and blockages from earwax, which can lead to serious health concerns if not addressed properly. Mohammed noted a significant knowledge gap regarding ear care among the population, stating that many patients travel long distances to seek help, as there is currently no audiometrist in the Northern region.
He expressed hope that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services would consider deploying an Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialist to Labasa at least once a month to provide vital medical support to those in need. One particularly moving moment occurred when he treated a female patient with hearing impairment; the joy she expressed after receiving a hearing aid was so profound that it brought tears to his eyes.
The outreach also included visits to the Labasa School for Special Education, where some students urgently required medical attention and hearing aids. Mohammed reminisced about similar services organized by the Lions Club in Labasa before the pandemic and advocated for more collaborative efforts to raise funds for children needing treatment abroad.
He underlined the importance of hearing, stating, “Imagine living a life without the ability to hear and communicate.” With a call for increased awareness and support for hearing health, there is optimism for enhanced services in Labasa, particularly for children facing these challenges.
This highlights the critical role community outreach plays in addressing neglected health issues and emphasizes the potential for local and national health resources to collaborate in fostering a healthier future.
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