Woodland Hospital, Shillong on Wednesday organised a ‘hearing screening’ on the occasion of World Hearing Day.
Dr. Hanifa Akhtar, ENT Consultant at the Woodland ENT Clinic informed that during the ‘hearing screening’ camp 31 police personnel were screened.
“Five of these personnel were detected with noise induced hearing loss,” Dr. Akhtar said.
She said that the major causes of hearing loss are – age related, people who have diabetes, noise induced, trauma, use of certain medicines and congenital. Dr. Akhtar also said that there are scientific studies which states that use of ear phones can lead to hearing loss.
The ENT Consultant at Woodland Hospital also informed that Woodland Hospital, Shillong would be the second hospital in the State apart from NEIGHRIHMS which is empanelled for free cochlear implant surgery under Assistance to Disabled persons for purchasing / fitting of aids / appliances (ADIP) scheme.
However, Dr. Akhtar informed that there are inhibitions on the part of the villagers to avail of the scheme.
The scheme is to assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Marwein (65) of Mawlai was presented with hearing aid device free of cost by Woodland Hospital. Marwein’s hearing loss was detected during a camp held in Mawlai last December.
The screening was organsied by Woodland – ENT Clinic in collaboration with Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan).
