Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sade Oguntola
Published on 2024-04-11 01:35:42
Professor Titus Ibekwe, a distinguished Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon, recently emphasized the importance of instituting hearing screening for all newborn babies in Nigeria. This call was made during his 44th inaugural lecture at the University of Abuja, where he discussed the significance of early detection of hearing defects and the prompt commencement of rehabilitation measures before newborns are discharged from the hospital.
In his lecture titled “Sound, Wind, and Whisper: A Journey in Search for Harmony in Otorhinolaryngology,” Professor Ibekwe highlighted the necessity of combining hearing screening for newborns with quality antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care to ensure a high quality of life for all Nigerians from conception to death. He emphasized the need for the government to enforce an Ear and Hearing Care (EHC) policy at all levels, alongside private organizations, to address the significant disease burden associated with hearing loss.
The esteemed surgeon, who is also set to serve as the Chairman-elect (2024) of the International Advisory Board of the American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, stressed the importance of creating a safe environment free from noise pollution. He pointed out that noise pollution can have detrimental effects on physical, social, and psychological well-being, exacerbating chronic illnesses like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Professor Ibekwe presented the results of a noise mapping project in Abuja, revealing that daytime noise levels exceeded WHO standards in various areas, emphasizing the urgent need for monitoring and regulation of environmental noise.
He further advocated for the provision of hearing assistive devices, particularly hearing aids, to be made available freely or supported by health insurance for individuals with hearing impairments. Additionally, Professor Ibekwe cautioned against the use of earpieces and cleaning the ears with cotton buds, highlighting the potential dangers they pose to hearing health.
The renowned ENT surgeon called for increased awareness and effective public health programs to address common diseases such as chronic supportive otitis media, meningitis, torch infections, and Lassa fever, all of which are linked to hearing loss. He urged individuals experiencing persistent hoarseness lasting beyond 2 weeks to seek evaluation from an ENT surgeon to rule out the early onset of cancer of the voice box.
Professor Ibekwe also highlighted the importance of recognizing changes in voice as potential signs of laryngeal cancer, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and treatment. In conclusion, he emphasized the critical role of the government and global aid partners in supporting initiatives aimed at eradicating hearing-related diseases and ensuring a higher quality of life for all Nigerians.
In light of his extensive expertise and commitment to improving hearing health, Professor Ibekwe’s recommendations serve as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the general public to prioritize ear and hearing care for all individuals in Nigeria.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
