Countries lack capacity to manage hearing loss — WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked countries to develop strategies to prevent and also treat hearing loss. The organisation made the call to mark International Ear Care Day observed on March 3.
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There are 360 million persons in the world with disabling hearing loss, according to the agency, and that is around five per cent of the global population.
At least half of all cases of hearing loss are avoidable, says Dr Shelly Chadha of the WHO unit for the Prevention of Blindness and Deafness.
A report published by the WHO to mark the event estimates that the highest prevalence of the hearing condition is found in the Asia Pacific, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa and that about half of all cases of hearing loss worldwide are easily prevented or treated.
The results of a study by the organisation indicates that many countries which responded to the survey lacked the capacity to prevent and care for hearing loss.
The report, which was made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) over the weekend by Mr Tarik Jasarevic, WHO Communications Officer, said a leading cause of hearing loss in younger ages, particularly in low and middle-income countries, was untreated ear infections, which often presents discharge from the ear.
It noted that vaccine for preventable infectious diseases such as rubella, meningitis, measles, or mumps could also lead to hearing loss.
It said just 32 of the 76 countries that responded had developed plans and programmes to prevent and control ear diseases and hearing loss.
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According to the report, many lack trained health personnel, educational facilities, data and national plans to address the needs of those living with ear and hearing problems.
It said the information received also indicated that the gap between need and services was greatest in sub-Saharan Africa.
“The results of this survey are a clear call to action for governments and partners to invest in hearing care, especially at community and primary level,” said Dr Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department of Violence and Injury Prevention and Disability.
“The programmes must aim to benefit all, including disadvantaged parts of the population who are least able to access hearing services,” he added.
The report said prevention and treatment of hearing loss at primary level, which includes good ear care practices, such as reducing exposure to noise and avoiding insertion of objects into the ears, could prevent many from developing ear and hearing problems.
It said a large percentage of people living with hearing loss could benefit from early identification and appropriate treatment, citing measures such as screening programmes for infant hearing that could minimise the impact of hearing loss on a child’s development.
The report said: “The national plans that already exist in some countries can serve as a model for countries that still lack strategies to better address disabling hearing loss.
“However, each country needs to develop a unique plan based on its specific situation, the prevalent causes of hearing loss, as well as the available health infrastructure.”
“Ear and hearing problems and the use of hearing aids are often associated with myths and misconceptions,” said Dr Chadha. “National programmes should, therefore, not only focus on prevention and service provision but also on awareness raising.”
— GNA