ENT Surgeon Recommends Enforcement Of Ear, Hearing Policy

An Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon, Prof. Titus Ibekwe, has urged all tiers of government to enforce the 2018 Ear and Hearing Care (EHC) Policy to combat huge disease burden associated with hearing loss.

The ENT Surgeon made the call at the 44th inaugural lecture of UniAbuja, titled: “Sound, Wind and Whisper: A Journey in Search for Harmony in Otorhinolaryngology.” in Abuja.

Ibekwe, who is a Consultant Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Surgeon at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital and Chairman-elect (2024) of International Advisory Board American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, said enforcement of such policy could commence by making the environment safe against noise pollution.

He added that such pollution could impair not only hearing but also affect the functions of other organs in the body.

“The enforcement of EHC policy will provide for hearing assistive devices especially hearing aids freely or supported by health insurance to every hearing-impaired child or adult.

“Awareness and effective public health programmes must be supported by government and global aid partners towards eradication of common diseases such as chronic supportive otitis media, meningitis, torch infections and Lassa fever.’’

The don also suggested that the quality of antenatal care, delivery and post-natal must be matched with hearing screening of newborn babies in order to detect hearing defeats of any form.

He emphasised that such screening would ensure the commencement of rehabilitation prior to discharge from hospital.

Ibekwe said implementation of such practice would ensure quality of life from conception through birth, life through death.

“Efforts through genetics against the transmission of deaf genes should be intensified.

“These actionable recommendations are tailored towards the achievement of serviceable ear, nose and throat; and holistic health care in the country,” he said.