Early detection of hearing loss is key #WorldHearingDay
JOBURG – Hearing loss is not only caused by ageing but exposure to noise on phones, music devices and at concerts is also a big factor.
World Hearing Day takes place on 3 March and, according to statistics by the United Nations, an estimated 466 million people around the world live with hearing loss.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) tweeted that around 1.1 billion young people, between the ages of 12 to 35 years old, are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise on phones, music devices and at concerts. As more and more people are listening and consuming their information and sound through their earphones or headphones, it is important to protect your hearing every day.
Around 1.1 billion young people (aged between 12–35 years) are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise on phones, at concerts, etc.https://t.co/581yAttd8H#WorldHearingDay pic.twitter.com/RtRYKqG2E9
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 3, 2020
WHO has said on their website that World Hearing Day aims to highlight that timely and effective intervention can ensure that people with hearing loss are able to achieve their full potential. It hopes to draw attention to the options available such as access to hearing aids and improve facilities associated with it.
Hearing loss may result from:
- Genetic causes
- Complications at birth
- Some infectious diseases
- Chronic ear infections
- Exposure to excessive noise
- Ageing.
The campaign ‘don’t let hearing loss limit you’ also provides information on how it can be beneficial if hearing loss is identified at an early stage as well as information on using hearing aids, captioning and sign language and other assistive devices which can greatly assist, WHO added.
Early detection of hearing loss is key to addressing it.
In order to ensure that 👂 loss is noticed as early as possible, all people should check their hearing from time to time, especially those who are at a higher risk of hearing loss.#WorldHearingDay pic.twitter.com/AppUg899ib— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) March 3, 2020
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