Breaking the silence on hearing loss | Vishwajeet Vishnu

Hearing Loss Prevalence and Impact - By 2050, it is estimated that one-third of the population will suffer from a hearing problem [1] - Approximately 15 亿 (1500 million) people worldwide currently suffer from hearing loss [4] - By 2050, it is projected that 25 亿 (2500 million) people will have hearing problems [5] - Among every 1000 children born, 4 face hearing problems from birth [6] - Undetected hearing loss can lead to social isolation, impacting personal and family life [4][15] Early Detection and Intervention - Hearing problems often go unnoticed in children due to lack of screening mechanisms at birth [7] - Early detection and diagnosis are crucial to prevent speech development issues and ensure a normal life [8][9][10] Hearing Aid Technology and Misconceptions - Hearing loss can happen at any age, not just in old age, due to increasing noise pollution and earphone usage [16][17] - Hearing aids do not cause permanent hearing loss and are now technologically advanced with features like Bluetooth connectivity, AI, and fall detection [18][19][20] - Modern hearing aids are often invisible, making hearing loss more noticeable than the devices themselves [18][21] Prevention and Awareness - The "60/60 rule" is recommended: limit earphone volume to 60% or usage to 60 minutes with breaks [22] - Using noise-canceling earplugs in noisy environments like nightclubs can protect hearing [23] - Regular annual hearing checkups are essential for early detection and management of hearing loss [24][25]