World Hearing Day 2024: Doctor Shares Essential Tips for Optimal Ear Health
It’s common for many individuals to overlook ear-related issues, often assuming they are ‘harmless’. However, the truth is that ears require attention and care just like any other organ in the body.
With World Hearing Day approaching on 3 March, it’s crucial to stress the significance of ear and hearing care.
The theme for 2024 is ‘Making ear and hearing care a reality for all’, that underscores the importance of proactive management of ear health.
In an interview with Boldsky, Dr. Sunitha Madhavan, Senior Consultant ENT Specialist at Kinder Hospital provides valuable insights into the signs that our ears may convey when something is amiss. Early diagnosis of hearing loss is crucial as it will involve speech and language development.
She stresses the importance of understanding these signs and taking appropriate action. She shares key tips on how to take care of our ears and identifies the warning signs that may indicate potential issues.
Understanding the Causes of Hearing Loss
According to Dr. Sunitha Madhavan, hearing loss can occur due to a variety of reasons. These include congenital factors such as intrauterine infections like TORCH infection or anomalies of the ear, as well as acquired causes such as infections, injuries, systemic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, continuous use of ototoxic medication, and noise-induced hearing loss.
Crucial Prenatal screening
Dr. Sunitha Madhavan provides practical advice on ear care to prevent potential problems. Prenatal screening is crucial, emphasizing the importance of undergoing TORCH screening during pregnancy to detect any issues early on.
Prompt treatment is essential if you experience ear pain after a cold or cough, as it could indicate an infection needing medical attention. Lifestyle management plays a key role, with managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders helping reduce the risk of hearing loss.
