Members of the European Parliament Discuss Key Matters
In a world where over 1.6 billion people worldwide grapple with some form of hearing impairment, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it's crucial to prioritise hearing health. Everyday situations can become stressful and challenging for individuals with reduced hearing ability, as their brains exert increased effort to recognise sounds.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to a multitude of problems, including concentration difficulties, psychological issues such as depression, and even stress. Missed phone calls may occur due to overlooking the ringing when one has reduced hearing ability, causing inconvenience and potential missed opportunities.
However, there are effective strategies for preventing hearing loss. Regular hearing checks are vital for early detection and prevention of further damage. Encouraging people to get their hearing tested regularly is a key preventive strategy.
Hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments, helps to reduce exposure to harmful noise levels that can cause hearing loss. Occupational hearing conservation programs emphasise identifying and controlling noise hazards in workplaces to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Education and awareness about the risks of hearing loss and ways to protect hearing are essential. Changing mindsets to empower individuals to make ear and hearing care a priority enables personal and community-level preventive actions.
Advocacy and accessibility are also crucial. Encouraging self-advocacy for hearing accessibility and the installation of assistive listening systems (like hearing loops) in public places supports those with hearing loss and prevents further deterioration by promoting timely interventions.
Maintaining overall ear health is another important preventive measure. This includes avoiding prolonged exposure to loud sounds, maintaining ear hygiene, and seeking professional help when experiencing hearing difficulties.
PD Dr. med. Oliver Reichel, the Chief Physician of the Clinic for Ear, Nose, and Throat Diseases, Head and Neck Surgery at Siloah St. Trudpert Clinic, emphasises the importance of these strategies. Individuals with reduced hearing ability may struggle to put sounds into context, have difficulty distinguishing tone heights and frequencies, and may frequently ask for repeated information.
Relatives of individuals with reduced hearing ability may notice that the television or radio is set louder than usual. In the worst case, untreated hearing loss can lead to depression. Preventing hearing loss involves avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noise and using earplugs during noisy events.
Early detection of hearing loss leads to better outcomes. World Hearing Day, observed on March 3rd, aims to raise awareness about hearing loss and its prevention, encouraging a comprehensive approach to hearing health that combines personal care, environmental management, and social support.
- Given the prevalence of over 1.6 billion individuals worldwide suffering from hearing impairment, as revealed by the World Health Organization (WHO), prioritizing hearing health is crucial, considering the challenges and potential mental health issues it can cause.
- Untreated hearing loss can lead to a myriad of problems, such as concentration difficulties, psychological issues like depression, and stress, as well as missed opportunities due to missed phone calls.
- Regular hearing checks are essential for early detection and prevention of further damage, and encouraging people to get their hearing tested regularly is a key preventive strategy.
- Hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments, helps to reduce exposure to harmful noise levels that can cause hearing loss. This is emphasized in occupational hearing conservation programs that aim to identify and control noise hazards in workplaces.
- Education, awareness, and advocacy are vital for preventing hearing loss and supporting those affected. Encouraging self-advocacy, installation of assistive listening systems in public places, and maintaining overall ear health combine to form a comprehensive approach to hearing health for personal and community-level preventive actions.
