[1]Flamboyant opener Virender Sehwag has sought permission from the International Cricket Council to use a banned substance to overcome his partial hearing loss.
Sehwag has reportedly been experiencing difficulty in hearing ever since he was exposed to a loud sound at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru last month because of which he’s had problems with sight and balance.
Diagnosed as suffering from sensorineural hearing loss, the 32-year-old was prescribed some medication out of which, one was an oral steroid — Betnesol. Sehwag has requested the ICC’s Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee to grant him permission for its use.
Betnesol eye, ear and nose drops contain the active ingredient betamethasone, which belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids. They are used for reducing inflammation.
Former New Zealand cricketer Lance Cairns too had more problems with deafness. “His hearing was good enough to communicate and understand the players — sometimes he did not hear the snicks when he was bowling though,” the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee, who played with Cairns, told this paper.
“His hearing deteriorated over the years but he now has a special aid and hears very well.”
Sehwag too supposedly did not hear the nick during his first innings dismissal in India’s ongoing Test against England and took his time leaving the crease.
Links:
[1] http://archive.asianage.com/sehjpgcropdisplayjpg-092