Hearing loss or deafness: 7 facts you ought to know

Hearing loss or deafness: 7 facts you ought to know

by Editorial Team

Did you know that there are 360 million people in the world who suffer from disabling hearing loss? That is 5.3% of the world's population, out of which 32 million are children. Read on to find more such facts:

Chronic ear infections are a leading cause of hearing loss: The global prevalence of chronic otitis media (COM) ranges from 1 to 46% in developed and developing countries. COM leads to hearing loss and can cause life-threatening complications and mortality. The most astonishing thing is that COM is largely preventable. It can be managed effectively through medical and surgical means.

Noise is a major cause of hearing loss, it is also a very easily avoidable: Noise is a cause for concern in both, developed and developing countries. In many countries, excessive noise has become the most compensated occupational hazard. The risk of social noise, such as, music and entertainment devices, is increasing globally among young people.

 Hearing loss can be due to the use of ototoxic medications: Some commonly used medications (such as aminoglycosides, anti-malarial drugs) can lead to irreversible hearing loss. Ototoxicity can be prevented through awareness amongst health-care providers and rational use of drugs.

Many children are born with hearing defects: Approximately 0.5-5 of every 1000 infants are born with or develop in early childhood disabling hearing loss. Early detection and management is important in providing appropriate support for deaf and hearing-impaired babies that will help them enjoy equal opportunities in society.

Nearly one out of every three persons over 65 are affected by hearing loss: Left untreated hearing loss affects communication and can contribute to social isolation, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline. Age-related hearing loss can be managed effectively through a variety of means, including hearing aids.

About 20% of people with hearing loss need hearing aids live in developing countries: This suggests that there are an estimated 56 million hearing aid users worldwide. It is estimated that current hearing aid production meets only 3% of the need in developing countries.

Sign language is a useful tool to have: Deaf and deaf-blind persons often use sign language. Sign languages differ across cultures, but they are legitimate languages, with their own vocabulary and grammar. Family members, medical professionals, teachers and employers should be encouraged to learn signs/sign language in order to facilitate communication with deaf people. 

Content source: WHO

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