Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Friday, 5 March 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The College of Otorhinolaryngologists and Head and Neck Surgeons of Sri Lanka (CORLHNS) yesterday raised awareness about the prevention of hearing loss in commemoration of World Hearing Day, which falls on 3 March annually.
According to CORLHNS President and ENT surgeon at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital Dr. Yasas Weerakkody, the date was chosen by the World Health Organisation due to similarities between number three and the shape of human ears.
“The World Health Organisation has declared 3 March as World Hearing Day. We need to inform the public on the importance of hearing and the prevention of hearing loss. Of the global population, 10% have weakness in hearing. While communication difficulties arise as a result of hearing loss, long-term hearing loss can also affect memory,” he said.
Explaining things people should not do was National Hospital of Sri Lanka ENT surgeon Dr. Chandra Jayasuriya, who said people should not use cotton buds, ear spoons, fingers, safety pins, keys, hair pins, or feathers to clean their ears. Cotton buds, for instance, can leave cotton in the ear and push ear wax further into the ear, while ear spoons can cause damage to the inside of the ear and the ear drum.
What she suggested instead was to take a single-ply tissue, roll one corner and use this instead. Olive oil or glycerine can be used to loosen any hardened ear wax.
However, she also recommended visiting a medical professional to have one’s ears cleaned.
It is also important to protect one’s ears from loud noises, for instance, in factories and traffic. When using headsets and mobile phones, it is recommended to use such devices at a low volume. In addition to this, Dr. Jayasuriya advised against using medicines that have not been prescribed by a medical professional as the use of the wrong medicine may cause more harm.
“Always pay attention to the hearing of children,” she said, explaining that parents can know about a child’s hearing from birth based on behaviour, for instance delays in speech. If parents have any doubts, they should seek medical care immediately.
The ENT surgeon added that measures are being taken to ensure the hearing of all children is tested before they leave the hospital after birth.
At the event organised by CORLHNS, Sri Jayewardenepura University Lecturer Dr. Sithara Dissanayake spoke about what can be done to protect one’s ears and hearing.
“If there are any issues with the ear, it is necessary to identify them as soon as possible and the public should be aware of these signs. If there is pain, discharge, noise, and dizziness, these are signs of ear diseases,” she said.
