latest
Earwax Buildup Can Cause Hearing Loss, Doctors Warn
Accumulated earwax can increase the risk of hearing loss, a doctor has warned, urging people to check their ears regularly and seek treatment when necessary.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Dr. Aisha Bello, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, said that while earwax is a natural substance that protects the ear, excessive buildup can block sound and damage hearing over time. “Many people ignore their ear health until they notice problems,” Dr. Bello said. “By then, some damage may already have occurred.”
Earwax, also called cerumen, is produced by glands in the ear canal. It helps trap dust, bacteria, and other small particles, preventing them from reaching the inner ear. Normally, earwax moves naturally out of the ear and does not require removal. However, some people produce more earwax than usual or may use cotton swabs incorrectly, pushing wax deeper into the ear canal.
According to the World Health Organization, hearing loss affects more than 1.5 billion people worldwide. While many causes exist, including age and noise exposure, earwax buildup is a preventable factor. Blocked ear canals can cause muffled hearing, discomfort, itching, and sometimes ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus.
Dr. Bello explained that certain habits increase the risk of earwax accumulation. “People who use earphones frequently or clean their ears aggressively are more likely to push wax deeper, leading to blockage,” she said. Children, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions are also at higher risk.
Treatment for earwax buildup varies depending on severity. Mild cases can be managed with over-the-counter ear drops that soften the wax, allowing it to come out naturally. For more severe cases, ENT specialists may remove earwax using specialized tools, suction, or irrigation. Experts strongly advise against using cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects to clean the ears, as this can worsen the blockage or injure the ear.
“I see many patients who caused harm trying to clean their ears at home,” Dr. Bello said. “Professional care is safer and more effective.”
Health authorities also recommend regular checkups for people at risk. “Checking your ears once a year, or sooner if you notice changes in hearing, can prevent long-term problems,” Dr. Bello said.
Beyond hearing loss, untreated earwax buildup can lead to infections. Blocked ear canals can trap bacteria and fungi, causing pain, swelling, and even fever in severe cases. In rare instances, long-term blockage can affect balance or worsen pre-existing ear conditions.
Experts emphasize awareness and education. “Many people do not realize that something as simple as earwax can affect hearing,” Dr. Bello said. “Taking small steps, like avoiding inserting objects into the ear and seeing a doctor if hearing changes, can protect your ear health.”
For families, especially parents of young children, monitoring ear health is crucial. Children may not report mild hearing loss, which can affect speech and learning. “Parents should watch for signs like the child turning up the volume on devices or not responding when called,” Dr. Bello advised.
In the coming years, health campaigns are expected to highlight the importance of ear health, alongside other preventive measures for hearing loss. Experts hope increased awareness will encourage people to address earwax buildup early and maintain long-term hearing health.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, says the state has mapped out 22,435 hectares of degraded land for restoration under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project using modern geospatial mapping technology.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said the initiative is part of efforts to strengthen climate resilience, tackle environmental degradation, and promote sustainable land use in the state.
Speaking at the ACReSAL mid-term review meeting in Kaduna through the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Abubakar Buba, the governor explained that the use of geospatial tools has made it possible to accurately identify affected areas for targeted intervention.
He added that the project is not only focused on land recovery but also on boosting agricultural output and improving livelihoods in affected communities.
Sani also noted that the state is supporting the programme with empowerment initiatives, including training over 500 women, youths, and school feeding vendors in biomass briquette production.
According to him, the effort is already helping to reduce dependence on firewood while creating alternative sources of income for beneficiaries.
President Tinubu has given full backing for the implementation of the ₦68.32 trillion 2026 budget after signing the Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly into law.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He also approved an amendment extending the lifespan of the 2025 budget from March 31 to June 30, 2026, to ensure completion of ongoing capital projects nationwide.
Under the 2026 fiscal plan, ₦4.799 trillion is set aside for statutory transfers, ₦15.8 trillion for debt servicing, ₦15.4 trillion for recurrent spending, while ₦32.2 trillion goes to capital projects—about half of the total budget.
The focus, according to the administration, is on infrastructure development, security, and growth-driven investments aimed at improving living standards.
Speaking on the development, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said the extension of the 2025 budget will help ensure full use of allocated funds, especially for major ongoing projects.
Tinubu directed all ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure transparency, discipline, and value-for-money in implementing the budget, while praising the National Assembly for its swift passage of the bill.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, revenue growth, job creation, and social welfare improvements.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has described moves to prosecute former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed over alleged culpable homicide as an attempt to reopen the 2018 Offa robbery tragedy for political purposes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement on Friday, the party’s spokesperson, Olusegun Adewara, said the development is a disturbing and dangerous politicisation of a case they claim has already been addressed through judicial processes.
He warned against dragging the state into fresh tension, accusing the state government of attempting to revive old allegations for political advantage.
Adewara said the PDP would not remain silent while what he called “political narratives” are used to influence public perception around a tragic incident that claimed multiple lives in Offa in 2018.
He also urged residents, especially affected families, not to allow their pain to be used for political gains, insisting it is unjust to associate Saraki with the crime.
The party further alleged that the move is aimed at distracting attention from governance challenges in the state.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges