Youngsters at risk of noise-induced hearing loss at recreational settings

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, March 4

Kids and youngsters are at the risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise in recreational settings these days. Around 60 per cent of childhood hearing loss is due to preventable causes.

Addressing a virtual awareness session, Dr Prachi Jain, an ENT expert, said the hearing loss may result from genetic causes, complications at birth, certain infectious diseases, chronic ear infections, the use of particular drugs, exposure to excessive noise, and ageing.

Leads to higher unemployment: doc

• Addressing a virtual awareness session, Dr Prachi Jain, an ENT expert, said adults with hearing loss also have a much higher unemployment rate. Among those who are employed, a higher percentage of people with hearing loss are in the lower grades of employment compared with the general workforce. Hearing loss can be addressed when it is identified in a timely manner and appropriate care sought, she added.

Describing about hearing loss, she said disabling hearing loss refers to hearing loss greater than 40dB in the better hearing ear in adults and a hearing loss greater than 30dB in the better hearing ear in children.

Current estimates suggest an 83 per cent gap in hearing aid need and its use. Only 17 per cent of those who could benefit from use of a hearing aid in actually could use one, she said.

Dr. Prachi said adults with hearing loss also have a much higher unemployment rate. Among those who are employed, a higher percentage of people with hearing loss are in the lower grades of employment compared with the general workforce.

Good hearing and communication are important at all stages of life. Hearing loss and related ear diseases can be avoided through preventative actions such as protection against loud sounds, good ear care practices and immunisation.

“Hearing loss can be addressed when it is identified in a timely manner and appropriate care sought. People at risk of hearing loss should check their hearing regularly as it can also lead to huge economic impact, by leading to loss of productivity at work, she cautioned.

Improving access to education and vocational rehabilitation services, and raising awareness especially among employers about the needs of people with hearing loss, will decrease unemployment rates for people with hearing loss,” she opined.

People with hearing loss can be benefitted from early identification, use of hearing aids, cochlear implants and other assistive devices, captioning and sign language, and other forms of educational and social support, said Dr Prachi further.