Early detection is key, says WHO Regional Director
Unaddressed hearing loss can cost the global economy $750 billion.
TODAY is World Hearing Day and the World Health Organisation has chosen to focus this year’s theme on the economic impact of hearing loss.
The organisation estimates that unaddressed hearing loss can cost the world $750 billion through the development of emotional and mental problems because of social exclusion and the lack of an education, which means that there is a loss of productivity in the workforce.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said, “About 360 million people – 5% of the world’s population – live with disabling hearing loss, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Unaddressed hearing loss poses a high cost for the economy globally.”
“Early detection and intervention are key; half of all hearing loss can be avoided through prevention. Primary health care interventions are the most effective. Simple strategies include immunizing children against childhood diseases,” Dr Moeti went on to say.
The WHO says that 1.1 billion young people (aged between 12–35 years) are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise in recreational settings while 60% of childhood hearing loss is due to preventable causes.
The aim of the international day is to create awareness that early detection of hearing loss can be corrected and the assistance provided from knowing allows a person who is Hard-of-Hearing or Deaf to live a full and productive life as a part of society by getting the help they need.
