The experts, remarking that the ear is a sound-sensitive organ, which could be damaged by excessive noise levels, stated that noise, being an unwanted sound, could directly and indirectly affect health.
The release issued by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and signed by its head of department, Professor Onyekwere Nwaugwu, mentioned hearing loss and hypertension as some direct health effects of noise. Its indirect health effects, however, included irritation, anxiety and sleep disturbance.
The experts, while making reference to World Health Organisation’s declaration that noise in cities had become the third most hazardous type of pollution, cautioned on disability that continuous exposure to noise might cause.
“Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) adversely affects the ability of an individual to comprehend warning signals, communicate effectively and reduce the quality of life,” they declared.
According to the release, sources of noise that could possibly result to noise induced hearing loss include grinding machines, generators, loud music at home, religious houses and clubs. Also, professionals such as artillery men, iron-smiths, workers in power houses, sawmills and highly mechanised industries stand a higher risk of developing hearing loss due to their work.
In addition, they said the recent spates of bomb blasts in the country can also be the cause of noise induced hearing loss.
The experts declared that noise induced hearing loss was often times detected through routine ear screening, adding that people only became aware of the problem when they had difficulty understanding someone when there was a background noise.
“As it becomes more severe, the patient complains more of being hard of hearing. It may also be perceived as ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus) following excessive noise exposure,” the release said.
They urged people with hearing loss to consult an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon in order to make this diagnosis of noise induced hearing loss and also rule out other possible causes of hearing loss that could mimic the problem.
Also, they stressed the importance of people with significant noise exposure at work wearing earplugs and muffs for ear protection.
The celebration also afforded 100 millers at the Bodija market, Ibadan, the opportunity to have their ear examined and learn how to avoid hearing loss. They were also provided free ear muffs for their protection.
The release issued by the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and signed by its head of department, Professor Onyekwere Nwaugwu, mentioned hearing loss and hypertension as some direct health effects of noise. Its indirect health effects, however, included irritation, anxiety and sleep disturbance.
The experts, while making reference to World Health Organisation’s declaration that noise in cities had become the third most hazardous type of pollution, cautioned on disability that continuous exposure to noise might cause.
“Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) adversely affects the ability of an individual to comprehend warning signals, communicate effectively and reduce the quality of life,” they declared.
According to the release, sources of noise that could possibly result to noise induced hearing loss include grinding machines, generators, loud music at home, religious houses and clubs. Also, professionals such as artillery men, iron-smiths, workers in power houses, sawmills and highly mechanised industries stand a higher risk of developing hearing loss due to their work.
In addition, they said the recent spates of bomb blasts in the country can also be the cause of noise induced hearing loss.
The experts declared that noise induced hearing loss was often times detected through routine ear screening, adding that people only became aware of the problem when they had difficulty understanding someone when there was a background noise.
“As it becomes more severe, the patient complains more of being hard of hearing. It may also be perceived as ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus) following excessive noise exposure,” the release said.
They urged people with hearing loss to consult an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon in order to make this diagnosis of noise induced hearing loss and also rule out other possible causes of hearing loss that could mimic the problem.
Also, they stressed the importance of people with significant noise exposure at work wearing earplugs and muffs for ear protection.
The celebration also afforded 100 millers at the Bodija market, Ibadan, the opportunity to have their ear examined and learn how to avoid hearing loss. They were also provided free ear muffs for their protection.
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