ASHENEWS reports that Niger state is facing a shortage of Audiologists as the state currently has only three active audiologists for its Ear, Nose and Throat clinics.
The Niger state Permanent Secretary of Special Duties (SSG Office), Dr Mohammed Makunsidi who disclosed this said that the three Audiologists are only concentrated in Minna, the state capital leaving other towns and cities across the state without any audiologists.
Makunsidi stated this during an awareness programme and examination exercise to commemorate the World Hearing Day by the Women Advocating for Gender Solution and Mentorship (WAGS-M).
The awareness programme was tagged “changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all” and was held in Minna.
He said that there are only 176 Audiologists in Nigeria which reflects the drastic scarcity of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialists across Nigeria.
Makunsidi, who is an expert in Audiology, said that the lack of Audiologists have led to the neglect of persons with hearing problems in the country who are numbering over 270 million.
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Giving an extensive talk on hearing impairment, Makunsidi explained the causes, prevention measures, and potential treatments of hearing problems highlighting the importance of avoiding unnecessary insertion of sharp objects into the ear and exposing it to high-pitched sounds while stressing the need for regular ear examination.
Makunsidi said that the problem of manpower required the need for groups and associations to seek donations and assistance from corporate bodies as well as spirited individuals pointing the need for these stakeholders to come to the aid of persons with hearing problems.
At the event, free screening exercises for ear, nose and throat were conducted while drugs were given out by the organizers.
