Hearing loss is common and treatable

According to WHO (2018) data, the prevalence of hearing impairment in India is around 6.3% ,63 million people suffer from significant hearing loss . The estimated prevalence of adult-onset deafness in India is 7.6% and childhood-onset deafness is 2%. The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, among those older than 60 years, over 25% are affected by disabling hearing loss. Studies show that around 11% of children at any time may experience temporary or permenant hearing loss which can be only identified by routine hearing tests. In that 4 in every 1000 children suffer from severe to profound hearing loss. Studies show that every year, over 100,000 babies are born with hearing loss in India.

Some forms of hearing loss can be inherited. Not all inherited forms of
hearing loss take place at birth, however; some can show up later in life. For
example, otosclerosis, which is thought to be a hereditary disease, disrupts
hearing later in life as an abnormal growth of bone prevents structures within
the ear from working properly. Typically, hearing loss caused by otosclerosis
doesn’t begin until 10 to 30 years of age.

Noise plays a major role in hearing loss. In fact, frequent exposure to loud
noises is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, because high-
decibel noises can permanently damage the inner ear. It also contributes to
tinnitus (a ringing, roaring, clicking, hissing, or buzzing sound in the ears).
Some people experience both hearing and tinnitus due to a combination of
noise exposure and advanced age. We measure the intensity, or loudness, of
a sound in units called decibels (dB). An ordinary conversation with a friend
will reach approximately 60 dB, while the noises produced by city traffic can
reach up to 85 dB. A firecracker can reach an ear-piercing 150 dB! Noises that
reach 85 dB or above can permanently damage the inner ear, leading to
hearing loss.

Noise-induced hearing loss is 100 percent preventable. The loudness of a
sound and the length of your exposure to it will impact the severity of
damage possible. To protect your hearing, avoid noises at or above 85 dB,
including lawnmowers, snowblowers, motorcycles, firecrackers, and loud
music.

Hearing protection yellow ear muffs
Reduce the sound if you can, or wear ear protection if you cannot for example, lower the volume on personal stereo systems and televisions. When
you cannot escape or reduce noise, wear earplugs or other hearing protection
devices. If you are a parent, protect your children’s ears as well.

1) Do you often ask people to repeat what they have said?

2) Do you often feel that people are “mumbling” or speaking unclearly

3) Do you have problems understanding people even though you have heard
Them?

4) Do your family members complain that you play the radio or television too
Loudly?

5) Have your family members/colleagues/friends asked you whether you have
hearing problems?

6) During conversations in the car, restaurant, or any another noisy place, do
you often misunderstand what is being said?

7) Do you often experience problems hearing and understanding what other
people are saying to you when you do not have eye contact or problems in
locating sounds?

8) Do you have trouble hearing on the telephone / understanding rapid
speech or unexpected conversation?

9) Do you experience ringing in your ears (Tinnitus)?

“If your answer is “yes” to 3 or more questions, you may have a hearing
problem. Please visit ENT specialist /Audiologist at Reems Audiology Clinic
Siemens Signia Hearing Care, a Best Sound Centre in Kannur and get your
hearing checked.”