Doctor warns 8 million have hearing disorder

Doctor warns 8 million have hearing disorder

JAKARTA (JP): A total of eight million people are suffering
from listening disorders, doctors said here Friday.

Without proper treatment, the disorder -- known as otitis
media suppurativ chronic (OMSC) -- could be fatal, said Dr.
Jainul A. Djaafar in a press conference here on Friday.

The ear, nose and throat (THT) specialist said the disease,
mostly attacking people aged from 10 to 30, is caused by bacteria
sliding from the throat and nose to the middle ear area. When
infection develops, yellowish liquid will tear the ear drum and
spills into the outer part of the ear.

The disease can be best handled in its early stages.

"But people's tendency to neglect the sickness often brings
about serious consequences," Dr. Djaafar said.

The chronic illness could affect the brain functions through
the forming of an abscess in the brain tissue and create
complications. In this stage, surgery is needed.

"It is an expensive operation and could only be performed by
specialists," he said.

In recent decades, he said, three to seven people have died
annually because of the illness.

The press conference was held prior to the symposium which
will be held on Sept. 25-28, 1999 by THT department of the
medical faculty of University of Indonesia and Cipto Mangunkusumo
Hospital. (06)