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In recent years, more than ever, age-related hearing loss has quietly crept in, often going unnoticed until daily communication becomes a struggle for people. Did you know that, according to data by the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.6 billion people globally live with some degree of hearing loss, out of which approximately 430 million need rehabilitation? That is over 5% of the world’s population, and the numbers just keep on increasing, like there is no end to it. Every 1 in 10 people will have disabling hearing loss, according to the WHO.
What WHO projects is that by the year 2050, more than half a billion people will experience hearing issues, and more than 700 million will require some hearing rehabilitation. Apart from age-related hearing issues, over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent hearing loss, yes, that too, due to unsafe listening practices.

What is meant by deafness and hearing loss?
According to a definition given by WHO, a person who is not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing, at a threshold of 20 dB or better in both ears, is said to have hearing loss. Hard of hearing refers to people with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe.
While aging is a primary risk factor, many clinical experts suggest that much damage is preventable. In scientific terms, it is called presbycusis (age-related hearing loss), which is largely influenced by cumulative exposure to loud noise, ototoxic medicines, cerumen impaction, and health conditions, including diabetes and hypertension.

The everyday risks that we overlook
The most common factor in urban life is using headphones at high volumes, prolonged use of which can lead to partial hearing loss. Add to that environmental noise in cities, traffic, construction, and loud public noises and musical events; all of these are underestimated sources of ear stress. This poses a major risk for even the younger people who are in habitual use of earplugs every day.
Early signs of hearing loss
Hearing loss often happens steadily, not in one day when you would suddenly realize you have lost your sense of hearing; however, early signs make it difficult to detect for many individuals. The most common symptoms include trouble understanding speech in noisy environments and people frequently asking you to repeat yourself. Despite these warning signs, many people dismiss them as normal consequences of aging and do not acknowledge these signs.
A societal stigma around hearing and a lack of awareness about it further contribute to the delay in seeking professional help. Unfortunately, postponing diagnosis and intervention can lead to irreversible damage, emphasizing the urgency and importance of early screening and education on hearing preservation.

Prevention starts at a young age
Prevention of hearing loss is essential throughout the life course, from prenatal and perinatal periods to older age. Nearly 60% of hearing loss is due to avoidable causes that can be prevented through the implementation of public health measures, says the WHO.

• Proper immunisation
• Genetic counselling
• Using medicine responsibly to avoid drug-induced hearing damage
• Safe listening strategies for the reduction of exposure to loud sounds
• Identification and management of common ear conditions
• Good maternal and childcare practices

Get tested, even without symptoms

Get routine hearing checks, especially if you are 45 and above; hearing assessments should be a part of regular health checkups. Early detection can help manage hearing conditions such as tinnitus or sudden sensorineural hearing loss, both of which will benefit from immediate medical attention.

This is your sign to act now!
Hearing loss may be silent, but it has its own consequences; unattended consequences may lead to cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation, and those are very real. Protecting hearing is not just about preserving sound; it is also about safeguarding connection and quality of life.

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