An audiologist, Mrs Akanchawa Emmanuel, has cautioned pregnant women against self-medication, warning that some drugs taken without medical supervision could affect a baby’s developing hearing system and lead to permanent hearing loss. Health experts, including the World Health Organization maternal health resources, have consistently advised expectant mothers to seek professional medical guidance before using medications during pregnancy.
Emmanuel gave the warning in an interview in Benin, noting that certain antibiotics and anti-malaria drugs could have ototoxic effects, meaning they may damage the auditory system.
She explained that some anti-malaria drugs containing quinine could affect hearing when used without proper medical guidance. She urged pregnant women to take symptoms such as ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears seriously and seek medical attention.
“The ear begins developing early during pregnancy, with the outer, middle and inner parts forming at different stages. “Exposure to harmful substances during critical periods of development can interfere with the formation of these parts and, in some cases, result in abnormalities such as an underdeveloped outer ear.
“Some medications taken without professional guidance can interfere with the development of the auditory system and may result in hearing challenges in children after birth,” she warned.
The audiologist further explained that hearing loss in children could affect speech development, as children learn to communicate by listening to and imitating sounds. “The way you hear is the way you speak. A child who cannot hear properly may not develop speech because speech comes from what we hear and imitate,” she said.
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Emmanuel attributed self-medication among pregnant women to factors such as easy access to over-the-counter drugs, perceived affordability, and advice from informal drug sellers.
She added that some women rely on previous experiences with certain medications or use herbal preparations without understanding their possible risks during pregnancy.
She advised expectant mothers to begin antenatal care immediately after confirming pregnancy and to consult qualified healthcare professionals before taking any medication.
She also encouraged parents to ensure newborn hearing screening to detect possible hearing challenges early and allow for timely intervention.
A study involving 1,200 pregnant women in Benin found that while many expectant mothers use prescribed medications such as folic acid, some still take anti-malaria drugs without prescriptions, while others rely on native herbs during pregnancy.
The study highlighted the need for increased awareness of safe medication practices among pregnant women to protect maternal and child health.
NAN
