• WHO report clearly states that around 32 million children across the globe are impaired with disabling hearing loss.
• The most startling fact about the report is that out of the total cases, around 60% were preventable.
World Health Organisation (WHO) said in one its reports that there is an increasing prevalence of hearing problems among kids these days. The report clearly states that around 32 million children across the globe are impaired with disabling hearing loss.
The most startling fact about the report is that out of the total cases, around 60% were preventable. This simply means that approximately 19 million kids can be saved from developing irreversible hearing problems. Throwing light on the condition, Dr Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department for Management of Non communicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention said, "A child who struggles to hear may also struggle to learn to speak, underachieve at school and end up socially isolated."
Dr Atul Mittal, ENT Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute adds, "It is of utmost importance for us to take note of the signs that point towards the probable development of hearing problem in kids. Parents at any cost must not avoid problems reported by kids as ordinary. Many of the ear problems can be treated easily if diagnosed in time."
Why it happens?
The main causes of the problem as underlined by WHO are genetic causes, infections such as measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis and complications at birth, including prematurity, low birth weight and neonatal jaundice. It is also important to note that using medicines unknowingly can also lead to hearing loss.
Do's and don'ts
- Teachers and parents must never slap kids, landing the pressure close to their ears. Shock and trauma to ears can cause severe damage to ear drums resulting in loss of hearing capabilities.
-While bathing one should make sure that water does not enter the ears. Swimming in unclean water must be avoided at all costs. For those who swim regularly must use swimming caps.
- Infants must be medically tested for the presence of hearing problems. Early detection leads to better treatment, says Dr Mittal.
- No sharp object must be inserted in the ears.
- You must keep children away from loud music, could be from radio, television or any other source. The frequency of these at most times is more than enough to impact the hearing capability. Dr Mittal explains, "Loud music causes acoustic trauma to hearing abilities, children start developing hearing problems so steadily that you do not even get to know they have a hearing problem." He further adds that metal music or any other type of loud music must be avoided.
- Parents should make sure that children are timely immunized against infections like measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis. These infections cause hearing loss in children.
-There is a dire need for regular hearing screening programs for kids across ages at regular intervals. These programs are helpful in diagnosing hearing problems early on.
In the end, please note that if the doctor prescribes hearing devices for your kids, do not hesitate as it is only for the well being of your child.
The most startling fact about the report is that out of the total cases, around 60% were preventable. This simply means that approximately 19 million kids can be saved from developing irreversible hearing problems. Throwing light on the condition, Dr Etienne Krug, Director of the WHO Department for Management of Non communicable Diseases, Disability, Violence and Injury Prevention said, "A child who struggles to hear may also struggle to learn to speak, underachieve at school and end up socially isolated."
Dr Atul Mittal, ENT Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute adds, "It is of utmost importance for us to take note of the signs that point towards the probable development of hearing problem in kids. Parents at any cost must not avoid problems reported by kids as ordinary. Many of the ear problems can be treated easily if diagnosed in time."
Why it happens?
The main causes of the problem as underlined by WHO are genetic causes, infections such as measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis and complications at birth, including prematurity, low birth weight and neonatal jaundice. It is also important to note that using medicines unknowingly can also lead to hearing loss.
Do's and don'ts
- Teachers and parents must never slap kids, landing the pressure close to their ears. Shock and trauma to ears can cause severe damage to ear drums resulting in loss of hearing capabilities.
-While bathing one should make sure that water does not enter the ears. Swimming in unclean water must be avoided at all costs. For those who swim regularly must use swimming caps.
- Infants must be medically tested for the presence of hearing problems. Early detection leads to better treatment, says Dr Mittal.
- No sharp object must be inserted in the ears.
- You must keep children away from loud music, could be from radio, television or any other source. The frequency of these at most times is more than enough to impact the hearing capability. Dr Mittal explains, "Loud music causes acoustic trauma to hearing abilities, children start developing hearing problems so steadily that you do not even get to know they have a hearing problem." He further adds that metal music or any other type of loud music must be avoided.
- Parents should make sure that children are timely immunized against infections like measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis. These infections cause hearing loss in children.
-There is a dire need for regular hearing screening programs for kids across ages at regular intervals. These programs are helpful in diagnosing hearing problems early on.
In the end, please note that if the doctor prescribes hearing devices for your kids, do not hesitate as it is only for the well being of your child.
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