Demystifying Myths on Ear and Hearing
Demystifying Myths on Ear and Hearing
This year's World Hearing Day theme, "Changing Mindsets," aims to challenge misconceptions and stigmatizing attitudes surrounding ear disease, hearing loss, and deafness. "Hearing loss has often been referred to as an invisible 'disability,' not just because of the lack of visible symptoms but because it has long been stigmatized in communities and ignored by policymakers” (WHO).
The health of our ears is a topic we seldom consider, yet our day-to-day practices significantly impact our ear and hearing health. The following are some common myths about ear disease.
Myth 1: We should clean the wax in our ears often
The ear is a self-cleaning organ, and we should avoid inserting objects like Q-tips, matchsticks, or keys into our ears. This can easily damage the delicate structures in the ear, especially the eardrum resulting in hearing loss. Removal of wax is also not recommended because wax provides the ear with a protective mechanism. Frequent cleaning can lead to dryness, infections, and injuries.
Myth 2: Painless ear discharge is normal
Painless ear discharge in the form of puss indicates chronic ear infections. Chronic ear infections are a leading cause of preventable deafness in children. If not treated ear infections often become chronic leading to complications such as hearing loss and meningitis. A qualified healthcare worker should check your child's ears if they present symptoms of acute ear infections such as pain, fever, or irritability.
Myth 3: Tinnitus or ringing in the ears is a disease
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a common symptom reflecting ear damage or an underlying medical condition. Common causes of tinnitus include but are not limited to exposure to loud sounds, head injury, medications, smoking, caffeine, stress, and anxiety. While there's no cure for tinnitus, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, reducing intake of alcohol and smoking, and addressing health conditions can help improve the symptoms. Addressing existing mental health issues and psychological interventions can also help reduce tinnitus. You should see an ENT expert if you are experiencing tinnitus as it can be an early warning sign of hearing loss or ear disease.
Myth 4: The ears are not affected by other diseases
The inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining hearing and balance. Damage to this end organ is irreversible and can manifest with hearing or balance symptoms. Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune diseases should have their ears and hearing checked annually. Chronic diseases could damage the ear just like other end organs in the body like kidneys.
Myth 5: Loud sounds are not harmful to the ear
Prolonged exposure to noise and loud sounds is damaging to the ears. The decline in hearing loss is contributed to by the level of noise and the duration of exposure. It's advisable to take noise breaks and use protective gear in noisy environments. The use of personal listening devices such as headphones, earbuds, and other bluetooth devices is a common cause of noise-induced hearing loss among young people. WHO estimates that 1 in 2 young people will experience hearing loss by 2050 from recreational noise exposure. It is important to follow the 60/60 rule to protect your years (Always Keep the volume below 60% of the gadget and restrict yourself to 60 minutes of use).
Myth 6: Hearing does not change as we grow old
As we age, our hearing progressively declines. In Kenya, 15% of individuals above 50 years have a hearing problem. Hearing loss in old age can result from various compounding factors influenced by genetics and environmental factors such as noise exposure. Hearing loss is directly linked to the development and deterioration of dementia in old age. Having your ears fitted with hearing aids in people of advanced age can be a protective factor against the development and progression of dementia. Annual ear checkups are essential for those above 65 or with hearing issues.
Myth 7: Hearing loss is permanent Nothing can be done
Hearing loss is not a death sentence. Adequate rehabilitation and assistive technologies like hearing aids and cochlear implants can significantly improve speech understanding and perception of sounds. Children born with hearing loss can benefit from early detection and intervention. If you suspect your child cannot hear or has delayed speech it is important to get their ears checked and start on an intervention as it benefits the child's education, social engagements, and participation in the labor market giving them a chance to be economically independent in adulthood.
Myth 8: Deaf individuals cannot participate in normal socioeconomic activities.
Deaf individuals are physically and mentally capable as hearing individuals. The only difference is in the mode of communication where the most commonly used is signs. The availability of sign language enables them to communicate with hearing individuals. We should therefore be more inclusive in our work, public, and civic spaces by learning basic etiquette of interacting with the deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
This is a call for everyone to make an effort to spread the word about the importance of hearing health. Let's change mindsets and take action to ensure that everyone can enjoy the sounds of life.
