Deafness
What is deafness or hearing loss?
Hearing loss, also called deafness, happens when a person cannot hear sound clearly in one or both ears. This can be partial or complete and usually develops over time. In Africa, hearing loss is more common than many people realize. According to the world health organization (WHO), over 136 million Africans have some degree of hearing loss, with about 7 million experiencing severe deafness.
Hearing is essential for communication, education, and social interactions. In many African communities, hearing loss can lead to isolation, misunderstanding, and difficulty in school or work. However, with the right knowledge and early action, we can prevent and manage many cases of hearing loss.
How does hearing happen?
The human ear has three main parts:
- Outer ear: Collects sound waves.
- Middle ear: Transfers vibrations through tiny bones.
- Inner ear: Converts vibrations into signals sent to the brain for understanding sounds.
If any part of this process is blocked or damaged, hearing loss can occur.
How common is hearing loss in Africa?
Hearing loss is a serious issue in Africa due to factors like untreated infections, loud noise exposure, and lack of access to ear care.
- Up to 15% of children in Africa have some form of hearing loss, mostly from untreated ear infections.
- Adults working in noisy environments, such as markets, factories, and transportation, are at high risk.
- In some rural areas, there is only 1 ear specialist (audiologist) for every 1 million people.
The lack of early diagnosis and treatment worsens the situation. Many people only seek help when their hearing loss is already severe.
What causes hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be caused by different factors. The three most common types are:
Conductive hearing loss (caused by blockage)
This happens when sound cannot reach the inner ear properly. It may be caused by:
- Ear infections: Common in children, often untreated.
- Excess earwax: Buildup that blocks sound.
- Foreign objects: Small items, like beads, stuck in a child’s ear.
- Injury to the eardrum: From using sharp objects like sticks or matchsticks to clean ears.
Solution: Some cases can be treated with medication, earwax removal, or minor surgery.
Sensorineural hearing loss (caused by nerve damage)
This type of hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or hearing nerve. It is often permanent and can be caused by:
- Aging: The natural weakening of hearing ability with age.
- Exposure to loud noise: Working in loud environments like welding shops, music concerts, or using earphones at high volume.
- Head injuries: From accidents or falls.
- Certain diseases: Meningitis, measles, and mumps.
- Side effects of some medicines.
Mixed hearing loss
This happens when a person has both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. For example, an elderly farmer who worked near noisy tractors for years may also develop an ear infection that worsens their hearing loss.
Symptoms of hearing loss?
Hearing loss happens gradually, so people may not notice it at first. Look out for these signs:
- Difficulty hearing in noisy places (like markets, churches, or schools).
- Asking people to repeat themselves often.
- Turning up the volume too high on the radio or TV.
- Ringing or buzzing sound in the ear.
- Struggling to hear phone conversations.
- Avoiding social gatherings due to difficulty hearing.
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, visit a healthcare professional as early as possible.
How can you prevent hearing loss?
Not all hearing loss is preventable, but you can reduce your risk by following these steps:
- Avoid inserting objects in the ear like sticks, matchsticks, or metal objects can damage the eardrum.
- Keep ears clean but safe. Use a damp cloth to clean the outer ear. Do not use cotton buds deep inside the ear.
- Protect ears from loud noise. If you work in noisy places, wear earplugs or earmuffs.
- Get treatment for ear infections. Do not ignore ear pain or discharge.
- Vaccinate children against infections. Diseases like measles and meningitis can cause hearing loss.
- Have regular ear check-ups. If you work in a noisy environment, get your hearing tested often.
Treatment options for hearing loss?
If hearing loss is detected early, some treatments can help, depending on the cause:
- For earwax buildup: Wax softeners and syringes can remove excess wax.
- For infections: Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections.
- For permanent hearing loss: Hearing aids or cochlear implants can help improve hearing.
Hearing aids are small devices that make sounds louder for people with hearing loss.
Cochlear implants are more advanced devices used for people with severe hearing loss.