With the rest of the nation, Nagaland also observed the “world hearing day” under the theme “Hearing for life. Don’t let hearing loss limit you” organized by state health society, national health mission, department of Health and Family Welfare Nagaland held at St. John’s School Mehrulietsa, Kohima on Tuesday.
Senior specialist (ENT) from Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), Dr. Kedozoto Pienyu, MD in his address on the significance of the day said timely and early interventions were essential for prevention of hearing impairment. He maintained that 50 percent of hearing problems are preventable and stated that early detection and interventions were very crucial.
Dr. Pienyu asserted that there were 360 million people in the world with hearing impairment out of which 328 million were adults and 32 million of children. He also stated that out of 1000 life birth, 1-3 infants have hearing impairment. He added that lack in accessibility of facilities, anti-natal care and early detection of symptoms were the causes. Doctor also said that impairment was acquired because of self medication, wax build-up and others.
Earlier, the state programme officer of National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness, Dr. Tiasunup Pongener highlighted overview of the programme started in the country’s context by the government of India in 2011. He informed that the state government in-line with the programme had carried out screening camp for children. He said parents and specially mothers have a great role in detection of symptoms as they usually spend maximum time with children. Pongener urged the teachers to sensitise and create awareness to the students for early detection and prevention.
There was also free screening of school children with ear related problems in the school campus and medicines were distributed.