Managing Hearing Impairment
Report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), that about 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of hearing loss is worrying and devastating because it has potential consequences for physical and mental health, education and employment.
According to the WHO, this is due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones as well as exposure to damaging levels of sound at noisy entertainment venues such as night clubs, bars and sporting events. The Churches cannot be left out, considering the level of noise that comes from the “House of God”, which is supposed to be a solemn place of worship.
Reportedly, nearly 50 percent of teenagers and young adults between the ages of 12 and 35 years in middle and high-income countries were exposed to unsafe levels of sound at entertainment venues.
Research indicates that exposure to loud sounds could result in temporary hearing loss or tinnitus, a ringing sensation in the ear, however, when the exposure is particularly loud, regular or prolonged, it could lead to permanent damage of the ear’s sensory cells, resulting in irreversible hearing loss.
The Catholic Standard advises the youth to be cautious of the places they visit to avoid placing themselves at risk of hearing loss, bearing in mind that “once you lose your hearing, it will not come back”. Owners and operators of night clubs and bars as well as Pastors should considerably reduce the level of noise-making in their respective establishments since they are at even greater risk of hearing impairment.
This Paper urges the youth to practice safe listening by controlling the intensity or loudness of sound as well as the duration and frequency of listening. They should protect their hearing by keeping down the volume on personal audio devices, wearing earplugs when visiting noisy places, and using carefully fitted noise cancelling headphones.
Apart from heeding the warning signs of hearing loss, we advise they undergo regular hearing check-ups.
There is also the need for awareness creation on the risks of noise making and hearing loss through public information campaigns.
The Catholic Standard encourages Parents and Teachers to educate young people about safe listening and the dangers incessant noise can have on the well-being. Governments also have a role to play by developing and enforcing strict legislation on recreational noise, and managers of entertainment venues should respect this legislation.
The onus lies on all Ghanaians to ensure that the youth, who are the future leaders of this great nation are protected from any form of danger that impact negatively on their lives and ultimately, the future of Ghana.
According to the WHO, this is due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones as well as exposure to damaging levels of sound at noisy entertainment venues such as night clubs, bars and sporting events. The Churches cannot be left out, considering the level of noise that comes from the “House of God”, which is supposed to be a solemn place of worship.
Reportedly, nearly 50 percent of teenagers and young adults between the ages of 12 and 35 years in middle and high-income countries were exposed to unsafe levels of sound at entertainment venues.
Research indicates that exposure to loud sounds could result in temporary hearing loss or tinnitus, a ringing sensation in the ear, however, when the exposure is particularly loud, regular or prolonged, it could lead to permanent damage of the ear’s sensory cells, resulting in irreversible hearing loss.
The Catholic Standard advises the youth to be cautious of the places they visit to avoid placing themselves at risk of hearing loss, bearing in mind that “once you lose your hearing, it will not come back”. Owners and operators of night clubs and bars as well as Pastors should considerably reduce the level of noise-making in their respective establishments since they are at even greater risk of hearing impairment.
This Paper urges the youth to practice safe listening by controlling the intensity or loudness of sound as well as the duration and frequency of listening. They should protect their hearing by keeping down the volume on personal audio devices, wearing earplugs when visiting noisy places, and using carefully fitted noise cancelling headphones.
Apart from heeding the warning signs of hearing loss, we advise they undergo regular hearing check-ups.
There is also the need for awareness creation on the risks of noise making and hearing loss through public information campaigns.
The Catholic Standard encourages Parents and Teachers to educate young people about safe listening and the dangers incessant noise can have on the well-being. Governments also have a role to play by developing and enforcing strict legislation on recreational noise, and managers of entertainment venues should respect this legislation.
The onus lies on all Ghanaians to ensure that the youth, who are the future leaders of this great nation are protected from any form of danger that impact negatively on their lives and ultimately, the future of Ghana.
