Hearing health remains an overlooked aspect of overall wellness, according to Nasif Mohammed, a consultant audiometrist from Hearing Aid Services in Australia. During a recent two-day hearing screening event at My Lab Pte Limited in Labasa Town, he provided assistance to 40 patients, ranging from as young as four to as old as 80 years.
Mr. Mohammed highlighted that many individuals suffer from various ear issues due to improper care. Common problems he encountered included perforated eardrums, ear infections, blocked ear canals due to excessive wax, scar tissue, and discharges that patients struggled to manage effectively.
He noted a significant gap in audiological services in the Northern region, as there are currently no audiometrists based in that area. As a result, patients often travel to Suva for medical consultations. He expressed hope that the Ministry of Health and Medical Services would consider sending an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist once a month to Labasa, ensuring local patients receive necessary care.
One poignant moment during his screening involved a female patient with hearing impairment who, after receiving a hearing aid, was moved to tears as she could finally hear again. Additionally, he provided care for students with hearing challenges from the Labasa School for Special Education, many of whom were in urgent need of medical attention and hearing aids.
Mr. Mohammed reflected on his previous involvement with similar services organized by the Lions Club in Labasa before the pandemic and emphasized the importance of community action. He proposes that, going forward, collective efforts could be made to fundraise for special treatment for children with severe hearing issues, similar to other organized medical trips.
He reiterated the importance of ear health, stressing the profound impact hearing impairment has on an individual’s ability to communicate and live a normal life. With his return to Labasa, Mr. Mohammed hopes to foster greater awareness about ear health and encourage preventive care within the community.
In summary, this initiative sheds light on the critical need for accessible ear care services and the importance of community involvement in addressing health disparities. Through increased awareness and dedicated efforts, there is hope for improved hearing health among those in need.
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