Although its prevalence in Uganda is not accurately known, hearing loss can have a devastating impact in the lives of those that are affected. The World Health Organisation has stated that hearing impairment is the most frequent sensory deficit in human populations, affecting more than an estimated 250 million people in the world and middle ear infections rate as the most common form of childhood illness. One of the reasons hearing loss may be more common than you think, is that it is a hidden impairment and often one which is undiagnosed or misunderstood. Children with hearing loss are routinely assumed to be lacking in intelligence, concentration or
application as they appear to be distracted, ignorant or disobedient. Adults with hearing loss might be considered rude or foolish when they don’t respond as others think they should.

So what causes hearing loss?
Some causes of hearing loss include: ageing, family
history of hearing loss, untreated ear infections
particularly in childhood, ear canal wax blockage,
meningitis, measles, malaria, other childhood
illnesses, ear-damaging medications, lack of oxygen
at birth, head and neck abnormalities or injuries and
exposure to loud noise.

And the consequences?
Hearing impairment in children can have many lasting effects including issues in speech and language acquisition as well as mental, emotional and social development. Consequently, this can limit opportunities in education, employment and financial security. Adults with hearing loss find it difficult socially to participate in conversations and may need to guess at what is being said, often being embarrassed when they are mistaken. It is therefore important to do everything possible to prevent hearing loss and to provide treatment and
rehabilitation when required to reduce the impact of any hearing disability.

Ways to prevent hearing loss and reduce its impact Avoid situations where there is excessive noise and wear ear protection when using high-powered tools, lawn mowers and other machinery. Do not put anything in your ear, even cotton buds, as you can dislodge ear wax further into the ear canal causing discomfort and complications. It is advisable to seek medical treatment for any signs of ear infection, discharge or pain.

Having children vaccinated against childhood illnesses will ensure a healthier child and prevent the need for strong medicines to treat illnesses, which may cause damage to their hearing.

Treatment
Some causes of hearing loss are treatable with medication or surgery, so require medical intervention. These temporary issues need to be dealt with before permanent hearing loss can be addressed with amplifying devices such as hearing aids.

Rehabilitation
Many people with hearing loss can be successfully fitted with hearing aids to amplify sounds in their environment. This gives them better access to conversational speech and allows them to be better connected with the world around them. When a person with a hearing loss wears hearing aids, it does not actually make their hearing ‘normal’ and often they still need assistance to hear clearly, but it does make it possible to hear much better. Like other electronic devices the technology of hearing aids has advanced significantly other the last ten years. Advanced hearing aids with up to date technology are now becoming available across Africa including Malawi.

So how do I know if there is a problem?
One way to test your own hearing is to ask a family member or friend whether they notice you experiencing difficulty hearing. Often others notice a hearing loss before you do, so consider the following:

First Signs of Hearing loss
• Asking people to repeat themselves
• Needing to have the TV volume up louder than is comfortable for others
• Difficulty hearing clearly on the telephone
• Difficulties understanding others if they are not facing you (E.g. in the car)
• Confusion of words in group situations or where there is background noise, such as when in a restaurant or at a family gathering
• Decrease in confidence or desire to socialise with others How can you help someone who has a hearing loss
• Look at the person when you are talking to them
• Say the person’s name first to get their attention before starting to speak
• Do not shout, speak clearly and only a little more slowly
• Reduce background noise at much as possible
• Encourage them to seek medical help
• Maximise the lighting so the face is visible

For further advice on hearing issues consult you medical practitioner, audiologist or Ear Nose Throat Specialist