Acting Head of Department and Consultant Surgeon on Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), at the Federal Medical Centre, (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dr. Iyanda Nurudeen Olakunle, has said that they have conducted screening and provide hearing aids for over 70 residents of Ogun state with amendable hearing treatment.

He stated this at a 3-day sensitization programme to commemorate World Hearing Day, with the theme” To Hear For Life, Listen With Care”, held at FMC, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Dr. Olakunle said that many common causes of hearing loss could be prevented, which including hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sounds, saying “safe listening” could mitigate the risk of hearing loss associated with recreational sound exposure.

“Indeed, World Health Organization (WHO) had set aside every 3rd of March to celebrate World Hearing Day, with the focus on the importance of safe listening as a means of maintaining good hearing across the life course”, he said.

He called upon governments, industry partners and civil society to raise awareness fro and implement evidence-based standards that could promote safe listening.

He said listening to loud music a lot can cause problems over time, especially if you use headphones or earbuds, noting that some musicians have lost their hearing and have tinnitus—a real problem for someone who needs to hear to make music, and that was why you may see more musicians wearing ear protection while they’re playing.

He noted that best way to prevent noise-induced hearing loos is to protect your hear from loud noises, move away from loud sounds or speakers, saying turning down volume when listening to music or watching television is also very important.

He noted that it is very imperative to take breaks after listening to music with headphones or earbuds for more than one hour at time, saying wearing ear plugs or ear muffs when mowing the lawn, and using power tools, or anytime you are around loud machinery.

Some of the beneficiaries, Mr. Lawe Saheed and Mrs. Victoria Alashe, hailed the organisers of the programme, admitted that the process was in order and they were really attended to them without any hide-and-seek, saying that they were looking forward for same opportunity.