On World Hearing Day, Nagaland focuses on early treatment
Screening test on hearing related problems being conducted for students during the World Hearing Day at St John's School, Kohima on March 3. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 3
The World Hearing Day was commemorated in Kohima at St John's School, Merhülietsa on March 3. Organized by the National Program for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD), Nagaland the Day was observed with the students of the school under the global theme “Hearing for life. Don’t let hearing loss limit you.”
A screening test on ear related problems for the students was also conducted.
During the event, Dr Tiasunep Pongener, MD, SPO, National Program for Prevention and Control of Deafness (NPPCD) briefly highlighted the functions and activities of the NPPCD in Nagaland. With schools and children being a primary focus for the program, Dr Pongener informed that the program has given extensive focus on schools especially government schools in the State by conducting screening test to find out hearing problems among children.
Focusing on early diagnosis of hearing problems, Dr Pongener said that for a child suffering from hearing problems it is the mother who usually detects the problem. Next, is the school teacher who takes care of the wellbeing of the children, therefore, the Medical practitioner requested the teachers to pay attention to the students on their health especially hearing and sight.
“Teachers are the best doctors for the students,” said Dr Pongener who reiterated that the main aim of the program is to detect, diagnose and treat early childhood hearing problem. Dr Pongener also advised and apprised the students on the causes and dangers of hearing loss, stating that loud music is one of the main causes of hearing defect. Further, audio listening via earphones and tablets are major cause of hearing problem.
“At all life stages, communication connects us to each other, our community and the world,” said Dr Kedozeto Punyü, MD Super Specialist (ENT), Naga Hospital Authority Kohima who spoke on the essence of communication which is directly related to hearing.
Speaking on the significance of World Hearing Day and its theme, Dr Punyü viewed that globally there is a lack of intervention to address hearing loss despite 360 million people across the world suffering from hearing loss.
Highlighting the WHO (2018) data, Dr Punyü stated that the prevalence of hearing impairment (HI) in India is around 6.3% where 63 million people suffer from significant auditory loss. The estimated prevalence of adult-onset deafness in India is 7.6 percent while the childhood-onset deafness is 2 percent.
The major causes of hearing impairment, early detection and treatment were further highlighted. Stressing on the need for early intervention and treatment, Dr Punyü advised the students and teachers to seek medical help whenever necessary.
Observed annually on March 3, the World Hearing Day focuses on deafness prevention and awareness. This year's theme aims to sensitize people on the need for timely and effective intervention and build awareness to seek available medical aids, while also urging upon all governments to provide accessible medical aid.
