Experts Warn Of Occupational Hearing Damage, Call For Pre-Employment Checks
Call for Pre-Employment Medical Screening
A medical expert has called on employers, particularly government institutions, to introduce mandatory ear screening and comprehensive medical checks for job applicants before employment.
The recommendation was made by Nse-Obong Undie, a Chief Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) surgeon at the National Hospital Abuja, during an interview in Abuja.
Importance of Baseline Hearing Records
Undie stressed that pre-employment screening would help establish baseline hearing conditions for workers, providing critical evidence in cases of workplace-related health issues.
According to her, employees should also retain copies of their medical results to safeguard their rights in the event of future disputes or emergencies.
High-Risk Occupations Highlighted
The ENT specialist identified certain professions—such as military service, aviation ground operations, and music production—as particularly hazardous to hearing.
She advised workers in such environments to adopt protective measures, including the use of ear muffs and other safety gear, to minimise long-term damage.
Push for Collaboration and Awareness
Undie further called for stronger collaboration between employers and medical professionals to improve awareness and enforcement of ear health standards in workplaces.
She noted that proactive measures could significantly reduce cases of hearing loss, thereby enhancing worker productivity and overall well-being.
