Our Correspondent
World Hearing Day is being observed across the globe including Pakistan to raise awareness and promote ear and hearing care around the world. The World Hearing Day 2022 with the theme “To hear for life, listen with care” will focus on the importance and means of hearing loss prevention through safe listening. In this connection a function was held here at Khyber Medical University (KMU)-Institute of Physical Medicine & rehabilitation (IPM&R) to highlight this issue and create awareness amongst the students and general public.
Secretary Health Tahir Orakzai and renowned ENT specialist Prof. Dr. Mohib Ullah grace the occasion as chief guests, whereas vice chancellor KMU Prof. Dr. Zia ul Haq, former head ENT department KTH Peshawar Prof. Dr. Zakir ullah, director IPMR Dr. Irfan ullah, faculty and a large number of students were present at the occasion.
Tahir Orakzai while visiting the stalls organized by the BS Audiology students appreciated the models and hoped that this activity will not only provide the opportunity to the students to show case their knowledge and abilities but will also help in the promotion of awareness about the prevention and precautions of disabilities related to hearing loss.
Prof. Dr. Mohib ullah said that 85 db level of any sound is acceptable for our ears, more than that can cause hearing loss. Our hearing ability deteriorates from the age of 45 to 50 and when we reach our 80s, more than half of us suffer from significant hearing loss. There are many different causes of hearing loss rather than the aging process. It can be hereditary or acquired as can be triggered by a blast of loud noise, infections, misuse of toxic drugs, the effects of the toxin, or head injury. Another common reason for hearing loss is exposure to noise, he added.
He said that the known worldwide outdoor source of noise is transportation systems, including motor vehicle noise, aircraft noise, and rail noise. Poor urban planning may give rise to noise pollution since side-by-side industrial and residential buildings can result in noise pollution.
Prof. Dr. Zakirullah said that in Pakistan there are many sources that cause hearing impairment such as industrial and vehicle noise, particularly pressure horns. He said that the government should implement the rule and regulations for the prevention of hearing loss for the industrial workers at their workplaces. There should be regular check-ups of vehicles to avoid noisy vehicles on the roads.
Prof. Dr. Zakirullah said for precautionary measures people should get away from the noisy sights or they should use the air plug. People should not involve in self-medication as many drugs are toxic and can cause permanent hearing loss. Those who are advised of Hearing Aids by the ENT doctor should use it for comfortable hearing and for the comfort of their families and friends. During the function, students presented tableaus and skits related to deafness and awareness regarding hearing care.
