Don seeks enforcement of policy to tackle diseases associated with hearing loss

A University don, Prof Titus Ibekwe, has called on the government to enforce the 2018 Ear and Hearing Care (EHC) Policy to combat the huge disease burden associated with hearing loss.

Ibekwe while speaking at the 44th inaugural lecture of the University of Abuja with the theme Sound, Wind and Whisper: A Journey in Search for Harmony in Otorhinolaryngology, said enforcement of such policy could commence by making the environment safe against noise pollution, adding that such pollution could impair not only hearing but also affect the functions of other organs in the body.

Ibekwe who is a surgical expert in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) and Chairman-elect of the International Advisory Board American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology said enforcement of the EHC policy will provide for hearing assistive devices especially hearing aids freely or supported by health insurance to every hearing-impaired child or adult.

He urged the three tiers of government and the global aid partners to support awareness creation as well as enhance effective public health programmes towards the eradication of common diseases such as chronic supportive otitis media, meningitis, torch infections, and Lassa fever.

He stressed that the quality of antenatal care, delivery, and post-natal must be matched with the hearing screening of newborn babies in order to detect hearing defeats of any form adding that the screening would ensure the commencement of rehabilitation prior to discharge from hospital.

Ibekwe said implementation of such practice would ensure quality of life from conception through birth, life through death, saying efforts through genetics against the transmission of deaf genes should be intensified.

“These actionable recommendations are tailored towards the achievement of serviceable ear, nose and throat; and holistic health care in the country,” he said.

Minister of State for Education Dr Tanko Sanunu identified investment in prevention of noise pollution as far cheaper than investing in diagnosing and treatment of those with hearing impairment, said there need for government do everything possible to implement EHC policy.

“The good news is that we have a president who has the commitment to right the wrong in addressing issues of education, health, agriculture, economy among others for the well-being of the citizens,” he said.