THE SENSE OF HEARING

Today ( March 3rd) is WORLD HEARING DAY, so thought of writing about the gift of hearing, which is one of the five senses. 

Hearing loss can be from birth ( congenital) or acquired ( due to various causes) and it is one of the cause of disability. Certain guidelines have been made by WHO on prevention of hearing loss, from drugs that harm the ears (ototoxic), chronic ear infections (COM) and noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) . 

PREVENTION

Primary, Secondary  and Tertiary level of prevention

PRIMARY  level of prevention   is for genetic and infectious conditions. Genetic counselling,  and advice regarding  avoidance of consanguinous marriage ( blood relations) as three - quarters of genetic hearing loss are autosomal recessive ( transmitted through families). 

Infections that can cause hearing loss  which can be prevented by  immunization are measles, mumps, rubella ,pnuemococcal infections etc  . Early diagnosis and treatment, health education, avoidance of certain drugs are  also included. 

Doing hearing screening for newborn especially preterm, or for those with family history of hearing loss, treated in  NICU. 

Traumatic causes, due to physical trauma, barotrauma ( pressure difference) noise exposure. Here  avoidance, early diagnosis and treatment and (  avoidance of ototoxic medications and monitoring while taking medicines). 

Lifestyle improvement  advice given, to prevent other diseases which may contribute to hearing loss. Health education regarding proper hygiene, nutrition ( poor nutrition and poor hygiene can cause frequent upper respiratory infections and ear infections ). 

SECONDARY  prevention by screening, early identification of person with hearing loss and treatment. Public education regarding noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), use of ear protection devices( factory workers,  entertainment (  loud music) , aviation sector) 

TERTIARY prevention by early rehabilitation of hearing loss by giving hearing aids and other aids. 

Those who don't have any hearing problems, please take care of your  precious gift. Don't do anything thing that can harm your  ears👂 like over use of ear phones, loud music, frequent use of  buds or wick. TAKE PROPER  CARE OF YOUR EARS.