Prevention of Hearing Loss

This content is from page 276 of Disabled Village Children

Take steps to prevent ear infection (teach the child not to blow her nose hard when she has a cold). Treat ear infections at once when a child gets them. If the child has frequent ear infections, see a health worker or “ear doctor.” Do not put leaves or plugs of cotton in an infected ear. Let the pus run out. See p. 309 in Where There Is No Doctor.
During pregnancy, do not take medicines that might harm the baby. Tell the health worker or doctor you are pregnant, and ask him to check if the medicine he prescribes is recommended during pregnancy.
Vaccinate girls and women against German measles (rubella) before they get pregnant (but never when pregnant). Pregnant women should avoid getting near anyone with German measles.
Have regular medical check-ups during pregnancy.
Eat as well as possible before and during pregnancy, use iodized salt, and include foods rich in iron and other vitamins and minerals.

Look for signs of hypothyroidism in the baby, and treat it early.
Vaccinate the baby against measles (and, if possible, mumps).
Take precautions to prevent brain injury and cerebral palsy.
Never put, or let the child put, pointed objects in the ears.Avoid being near very loud noises. *When a child cannot avoid them, teach him to cover his ears, or use ear plugs.

This page was updated:04 Apr 2024

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