Don seeks enforcement of noise pollution law
A Professor of Otorhinolaryngology (Ear, nose and throat specialist) at the University of Ilorin, Foluwasayo Ologe, has urged the federal government to enforce legislation regarding noise control as provided in the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) amendment decree No 59 of 1992.
He said the decree empowers the agency to inspect facilities and premises, search locations and seize items causing noise pollution, as well as arrest and prosecute offenders.
Delivering the 155th inaugural lecture of University of Ilorin titled, “Hearing Loss: The Hidden Handicap”, the don described hearing impairment as a major health burden in Nigeria. He however regretted that little effort was made to address the problem.
Noting that excessive urban noise could cause hearing deficit in humans, he advocated the enforcement of regulations against noise pollution.
According to him, excessive sound damages the hair cells. “The damage is initially temporary, called temporary threshold shift, but with greater sound exposure, and for long duration, it becomes permanent”.
Ologe also lamented that most factories, especially steel rolling mills in Nigeria, did not make hearing protectors available for their workers, saying studies have shown that, “there was a high prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss and significant hearing deterioration among workers, due to exposure to excessive noise. “
He further decried the high rate of hearing loss among children, especially those in schools, saying this was partly responsible for poor performance. He noted that most cases of hearing impairment among children were hidden, and called for regular screening among school and preschool children.
He stated that awareness of prevalence, causes, effects, prevention and management of hearing loss is poor, adding that the range of tests for hearing screening is also inadequate.
The don urged parents to be vigilant at observing their children and report any hearing problem to physicians without delay. He called on government to strengthen immunisation scheme to help reduce acquired causes of hearing loss.