The Deaf Bulletin 2014 Issue 2
Millions of people in the world have hearing loss that can be treated
Ear care can avoid hearing loss, was the theme for this year’s International Ear Care Day observed on the 3rd of March every year. By observing this day, we can all help create a global movement, which will make others to give ear and hearing care the attention it deserves and to persons with hearing loss, their due respect. According to WHO, 360 million people, representing 5.3% of the world’s population are affected by hearing loss? At least half of all cases of hearing loss are avoidable through primary prevention, including healthy ear care practices.
According to WHO infectious diseases such as meningitis, measles and mumps can also lead to hearing loss, mostly in childhood, but also later in life. Vaccine can prevent most of these infections.
Some causes of childhood hearing loss are congenital (present at or acquired soon after birth). It can be caused by certain complications during pregnancy and childbirth, including syphilis or certain other infections during pregnancy.
Excessive noise, including working with noisy machinery, and exposure to loud music or other loud noises, such as gun-fire or explosions can harm a person’s hearing. It is a major avoidable cause of permanent hearing loss worldwide that can be completely preventable.
Experts from the World Health Organisation advised simple things to prevent most ear infections:
- Do not use home remedies in your ears.
- Do not insert anything into the ears, not even cotton buds.
- Do not listen to loud music, always turn your volume down.
Other topics covered in this bulletin are:
- Heath experts should learn sign language.
- Congratulations to WFD President!
- Welcome back home Mr Matongo and Mr S.K Mhlanga.
- DEAF SOCCER NEWS