Caution on Ear, Nose, Throat Ailment
Expert learns that common problem here is the lack of awareness.
Sinuses, tonsillitis, mumps and throat infections must be treated and people must focus on hygiene and sanitation, says a visiting audiometrists.
During a sight first and audiometrist programme at Savilla House in Labasa yesterday, Nasif Mohammed, of AHAS Hearing Aid Services consulting audiometrist said: “People in Fiji need to take ear, nose and throat health seriously. “The common problem I have found out is that there is lack of awareness. We have conducted this programme in Ba and Suva and now in Labasa and we have seen that there are many in the older age groups with hearing problems.” He said some were due to an infection problem which has not been looked into by themselves or by family members for a prolonged period of time.
“It could be because they don’t have money to see a specialist or they are not serious about their health,” he said.
“The other major factor that could be the cause of a hearing problem is noise.”
He said he had seen cases of retired employees who have worked in a noisy environment in the 80s and 90s, where the use of machines such as at sawmills has affected their health. He requested the recipients of hearing aid to make use of it and not put it inside a cupboard for decoration since they have provided it for free.
Lions Club of Labasa project director Hazeem Hussein said this was the first time the club organised the project with the support of the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation. “We realised that there was an urgent need of medical attention in areas where there is a hearing problem and when I met Mr Mohammed in Sydney, Australia, I requested if he could volunteer to help,” Mr Hussein said. “He is originally from Ba and had a desire to return Fiji to help his people and I would like to thank him for the many sacrifices he has made to make this programme possible.
“I would also like to Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation for their support and Sonic Australia for providing the hearing aid at a cheaper price.” Meanwhile, Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation executive Ambalika Devi said the foundation gave $22,500 to the Lions Club Labasa for this project.
“A total of 63 people (27 in Ba and 36 in Suva) were screened whilst ten were given hearing aids and the rest will receive theirs later,” Ms Devi said.
The programme lasted two days in Labasa and the target was to screen at least 50 people. The cost of each screening together with the hearing aid is $1000.
$10,000 worth of hearing aids was provided immediately and $20,000 worth will be sent later from Australia. There were lots of ear wax found during screening and Mr Mohammed said it was important that people take care of their ears to avoid hearing problems.
The total cost of the project was about $80,000.
Baram Chand, 59, of Bulileka, Labasa were among the few recipients to receive a hearing aid.