Hearing loss affects a high percentage of society. It may be due to diseases affecting the middle ear or inner ear, congenital, age-related, or noise exposure. Although it affects a large population, hearing impairment is considered a grossly neglected condition in India. According to population-based surveys, around 63 million (6.3%) are found to have a hearing impairment in India, while 291 per one lakh population suffer from severe to profound hearing loss. A large percentage is children between the ages of 0 to 14 years.
Survey also revealed that about 7% of people were born with a hearing disability. In addition, about 56% and 62% reported the onset of hearing disability at >60 years. According to the experts, the real issue is inadequate facilities for deaf people, thus leading to a substantial economic loss. Initiatives to eradicate deafness: India has signed the UN Convention on…
