More action needed to address loud music in minibuses, communities – Presidential Commission on NCD’s

…says noise nuisance main cause of hearing loss

The Presidential Commission for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s) has made a call for more action from the authorities to address and clamp down on loud music in minibuses and communities, noting that this noise nuisance is one of the main causes of hearing loss.
In a statement on the occasion of World Hearing Day, the commission noted that noise nuisance is a chronic problem in Guyana. They noted that while progress has been made on delivering primary and secondary healthcare, including through the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) which they pointed out has continued to improve their services.
“While progress has been made, effective integration of ear and hearing problems within the primary and secondary healthcare system remains a weak component in our Package of Services available. While GPHC continues to improve the scope of service for ear and hearing problems, efforts must also focus in expanding these services to the Regional Hospitals.”

“By 2030, over 500 million people are expected to have disabling-hearing loss requiring rehabilitation. This does not include the hundreds of millions of people who also have hearing losses that they are not aware of yet,” the commission said.
According to the Presidential Commission, over one billion young people around the world face the risk of permanent hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds from recreational pastimes such as listening to music and video gameplay. In the case of Guyana, the commission stressed the need for the authorities to clamp down on this scourge.
“One of the main causes of hearing loss is exposure to loud noise. This environmental factor has been a chronic problem in Guyana. While we have had interventions to address loud music in minibuses and from various community activities, such as from bars, these have been only partially effective. The Commission urges that the authorities implement the polices with greater vigilance,” the commission said.
According to the Presidential Commission, the theme for the March 3 World Hearing Day is focused on changing mindsets and ‘Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!’ They urged individuals of all ages to empower themselves and recognize the importance of ear and hearing health.
“This campaign aims to inspire them to change behavior to protect their hearing from loud sounds and prevent hearing loss, check their hearing regularly, use hearing devices if needed, and support those living with hearing loss.”
“Guyana continues to invest in increasing both the scope of services we provide in the public health sector and the quality of care. In addition, Guyana continues to expand availability and access to ensure that no one is left behind. The Commission and our partners wish to commend the Government of Guyana and the MOH for expanding access to screening for hearing losses.”
The commission lauded the Government of Guyana and Ministry of Health for implementing audiological screening for all new born babies at GPHC and other hospitals in Guyana and expanding the hearing aid program for persons diagnosed with disabling hearing losses.
“The Commission also recognizes the joint School Health program by the MOH and the Ministry of Education which includes screening of all children for vision and hearing. The screening program in schools come with a guarantee that every child in need of glasses and hearing aid will be provided through the government funding program.”
“In 2023, the MOH screened almost 8,000 children in schools and provided 1,361 hearing aids for children. We urge the Ministry to ensure that all children and all persons over the age of 60 are screened for vision and hearing. The Commission urges that no one should be left behind,” the Presidential Commission said.
The Presidential Commission on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases was reconstituted in 2021 and is headed by former Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, the current Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to Switzerland. The multi-sector commission includes members from various ministries, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, the University of Guyana and religious bodies.