The younger generation face noise-induced deafness due to use of earphones, noise pollution due to traffic, and loud music systems.
Dr H K Pareek (M S ENT) says that youngsters have been facing more hearing disabilities these days due to changes in lifestyle.
Speaking about issues which need to be highlighted, Dr Pareek, said, “The younger generation face noise-induced deafness due to use of earphones, noise pollution due to traffic, and loud music systems. Medically, if a person is not able to hear below 40 decibels, we term it as deafness.”
According to Dr Pareek, one in three senior citizens have age-related deafness. Children could be born with deafness, but in most adults and teenagers, deafness is caused by damage to the ear drum or by infection. One can experience sudden deafness too. This should be treated immediately, just like one would seek immediate treatment after a heart attack, according to Dr Pareek. “Timely treatment can prevent permanent damage,” he says.
“When a person starts developing deafness,” Dr Pareek continues, “people around him or her notice the problem first. The person himself might ignore the problem.”
Children can be screened for hearing impairment using the Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and BERA tests at birth. An Audiogram can be used after four to five years of age, which measures hearing in decibels (normal hearing is at 20-25dB).
Most deafness can be treated medically, surgically with tympanoplasty, stapedotomy, mastoid, cochlear implants, or with the use of hearing aids, says Dr Pareek.
Due to improved technology, advanced equipment, microscopes, drills, lasers the results of surgery are predictable. However, there are some social impediments. “There is a stigma associated with wearing hearing aids in public spaces,” he said. “The person should remember (s)he is using the device for their own benefit rather than feel embarrassed.”
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