A free electronic application from the World Health Organization to initially measure hearing and determine if a person needs further examination
Dr. Shelly Chida, technical officer of the Department of Ear and Hearing at the World Health Organization, confirmed that the ear is a self-cleaning organ and that there is no need to use any tools to clean it, noting that attempts to clean the ear actually lead to blockage or inflammation.
In an interview on the “Science in Five” televised episode, conducted by Vismita Gupta-Smith, Dr. Chidda reviews early signs of possible hearing loss or impairment, which include being unable to hear what someone else is saying very clearly in a noisy place like a restaurant, or If he notices that he is constantly asking others to repeat themselves because of the background noise, then he should suspect he may have a hearing loss.
Dr. Chida added that if a person has to frequently turn up the volume while using, for example, a television set, radio, or telephone, or if others tell them they are talking too loudly, or if the person has a continuous ringing or humming sound in their ear.
And Dr. Chida advised that if a person notices any of these signs, it is important that he check and measure his hearing as soon as possible, explaining that a person can measure his hearing himself, and conduct an initial examination using the free application of the World Health Organization, which is called “hearWHO.” From the results, the person will know if they need to have further hearing tests.
Dr. Shida explained that there are some causes of hearing impairment or loss that can be treated, for example, if a person has a blockage in the ear due to wax, which makes him feel a slight blockage, or if he has an ear infection or a rupture of the eardrum, these are causes that can be treated. Medication or surgery, but many cases of hearing impairment or gradual loss cannot be treated, so it is possible to help to listen better through the use of devices such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, noting that in order for these interventions to be effective, they should be started. As soon as possible.
Dr. Shida recommended that hearing be checked regularly and that any indicators and signs of hearing impairment be monitored, stressing that hearing and ear protection first begins with realizing that the ear is a self-cleaning organ, so no tools such as cotton swabs or thin sticks should ever be used to clean them, warning that such These attempts actually lead to ear blockage or eardrum rupture. She added, in the same context, that one should refrain from resorting to any home remedies such as putting a few drops of oil in the ear.
