Medical specialists in ear, nose, and throat management have issued warnings to Nigerians regarding the risks of drug misuse, inadequate treatment of infections during pregnancy, and exposure to loud noise, all of which can lead to sudden hearing loss. Experts emphasize that certain medications, when misused—often due to self-medication—can harm sensitive structures in the ear, resulting in hearing impairment. Additionally, they caution against prolonged exposure to loud sounds, which can also cause sudden deafness.
Dr. Onyekachi Iheagwu, the ENT Head and Surgical Resident at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, along with Dr. Abiodun Olusesi, Head of ENT at the National Hospital in Abuja, stress the need for increased awareness and action to address the factors contributing to sudden hearing loss in Nigeria. Dr. Iheagwu highlighted that hearing loss can occur even in utero, as well as due to various conditions after birth. He stated, “The misuse of certain drugs, drug overdoses, and improperly treated maternal infections during pregnancy must be addressed, as they can lead to hearing loss. It is crucial to note that some diseases experienced by pregnant women, if not properly treated, can adversely affect the developing child.”
After birth, exposure to loud noise poses additional risks, a fact that many people are unaware of. Dr. Iheagwu also warned against the practice of inserting objects into the ears, noting that items like feathers or sticks can rupture the eardrum and lead to hearing loss. He pointed out that children who develop hearing after birth can also be at risk; for instance, medications such as chloroquine, quinine, or geneticin, administered during illness, could result in hearing impairment.
Moreover, Dr. Iheagwu explained that various health conditions can contribute to hearing loss. Congenital heart diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and developmental disorders in children can all lead to hearing issues. He also mentioned the welding box syndrome and chromosome diseases as potential causes. Harmful practices, such as inserting objects into the ears or nose during a child’s convulsions, can further exacerbate the risk of hearing loss. In adults, conditions like complicated diabetes and sickle cell disease are also linked to hearing impairment. Patients undergoing cancer treatment may be particularly vulnerable, as some chemotherapy drugs can be toxic to ear cells.
In the teaching hospital, Dr. Iheagwu noted a significant number of hearing loss cases, estimating that the prevalence in the region ranges from 10 to 30 percent, based on varying reports. He concluded by explaining that the factors contributing to hearing loss can be categorized into three major groups.
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