Nearly 2.5 billion people in the world, or one in four, will suffer from hearing problems in 2050, according to a WHO report published on Tuesday March 2, which underlines "
the need to rapidly step up prevention and the treatment of hearing loss
”.
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"
At least 700 million of these people will need access to ear and hearing care and other rehabilitation services
," warns the World Health Organization in a statement.
"
In children, nearly 60% of hearing loss can be prevented by vaccination against rubella and meningitis, improving maternal and newborn care or early detection and management of otitis media
", indicates this Organization's first global hearing report.
In adults, protection from noise, monitoring drugs harmful to the ear and adopting good hygiene are recommended to avoid hearing loss.
“
Untreated hearing loss can have a devastating impact on people's ability to communicate, study and earn a living.
It can also have an impact on their mental health and their ability to maintain relationships,
”warns Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), in a statement.
According to the report, the lack of clear information on these disorders and the stigmatization of those who suffer from them "
often limit access to care
".
The organization insists on the need to set up screening "
at strategic moments in life
" and recalls that most ear diseases can be cured with medical or surgical treatment.
And if the hearing loss is irreversible, rehabilitation, hearing aids and cochlear implants remain "
effective
".
While the report highlights a dire shortage of ENT and audiologists in low-income countries, it also notes an "
uneven distribution
" of specialists among those who are well endowed.
WHO therefore invites States to expand access to ear and hearing care services.
A profitable investment since "
governments can expect a return on investment of nearly 16 dollars for each dollar invested
", notes the organization.