More than 100 crore youths at risk of permanent hearing loss: WHO

A World Health Organization (WHO) study reveals that nearly 40 crore people across the globe need hearing aids, but the sad part is that only 20% of them get hearing support systems due to financial constraints and a dearth of human resources. By 2050, as many as 250 crore people worldwide would have some degree of hearing loss and nearly 70 crore people would need rehabilitation of their hearing ability, as per the study.

The study warns that more than 100 crore young people would have to carry the burden of permanent hearing loss due to unhealthy hearing practices. WHO is redrawing the modalities to provide hearing aid services to people where the resources are limited. Traditionally, highly-trained audiologists provide relevant services but plans are anvil to induct trained non-specialists so that more people can avail the hearing aid services, says Dr Shelly Chadha, in charge of the WHO project.

As per the WHO estimates, unresolved hearing loss issues would incur a whopping loss of one trillion dollars worldwide. WHO says that people are not availing the testing, hearing aid and hearing rehabilitation services in certain regions. Wrong perception and lack of awareness about the services stand in the way of availing such services, Dr Chadha adds.