World Hearing Day 2024: Why Early Detection And Treatment For Hearing Loss is Essential?

Timely recognition of hearing impairments is crucial, especially in young children, as it enables us to initiate interventions promptly, significantly influencing developmental trajectories, said experts here on World Hearing Day on Sunday.

World Hearing Day is observed every year on March 3 to raise awareness about hearing impairments as well as to clarify societal misperceptions and stigmas. Loss of hearing is the most common sensory deficit in humans. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that in India there are approximately 63 million people, who are suffering from Significant Auditory Impairment.

Early Detection and Treatment For Hearing Loss is Essential

Currently, 291 persons per one lakh population in India suffer severe to profound hearing loss, and children up to 14 years account for a large share, according to a National Sample Survey Office(NSSO) survey.

“Early detection facilitates the implementation of targeted interventions, thereby optimising language acquisition, academic progress, and overall psychosocial development in affected children,” Dr Ravinder Gera, Senior Director and HOD – ENT, Max Hospital, Gurugram, told IANS.

On the other hand, delayed identification of hearing loss can impede speech and language development, hinder social integration, and compromise cognitive functioning, said the doctor.