Global hearing loss projections and prevention strategies outlined by WHO
Hearing is generally considered normal when speech intelligibility is 100% at a sound intensity of 20 dB. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hearing impairment is defined as “when a person is not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing of 20 dB or better in both ears.”
The WHO estimates that nearly 2.5 billion people will suffer from hearing impairment by 2050.
Hearing loss can be categorized as mild, moderate, and severe or profound, often affecting one or both ears.
Typically, individuals with hearing impairment experience mild to severe hearing loss, while deaf individuals suffer from profound hearing loss and communicate using sign language.
According to the WHO, hearing impairment occurs at critical periods of life.
Prenatal factors include genetic conditions, congenital hearing loss, non-congenital hearing loss, intrauterine infections like rubella, and cytomegalovirus infections.
Perinatal causes are associated with birth asphyxia, severe neonatal jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia), and low birth weight, the WHO reports.
Chronic ear infections, such as chronic suppurative otitis media, ear effusion, chronic illnesses like smoking, otosclerosis, exposure to loud noises, nutritional deficits, and ototoxic medications also contribute to hearing loss.
Hearing impairment, like other diseases, has significant consequences for affected individuals. In an article on its website, the WHO explains that untreated hearing loss can severely impact a person’s life.
Preventing hearing loss involves addressing its underlying causes in both children and adults.
For adults, it is crucial to avoid exposure to high-intensity sounds and ototoxic medications.
Good maternal and child healthcare practices, including vaccination and timely treatment of common ear diseases, are essential preventive measures.
The WHO’s projections and recommendations underscore the importance of early intervention and preventive care to mitigate the growing burden of hearing impairment worldwide.
