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Scientists believe that hearing loss can be prevented in 50% of cases
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
The World Health Organization says that more than 350 million people have hearing loss and are disabled by it. But experts say that new research has shown that more than half of all cases of hearing loss can be prevented. A report released on March 3 says that deafness and possible hearing loss can be prevented.
The World Health Organization is currently trying to attract the attention of developed countries with a report and work on the existing problem. The problem is currently large enough to be addressed at the level of small organizations or individual hearing health communities.
Scientists believe that half of the cases of hearing loss are the minimum number of possible cases that could be prevented. The number of people who have problems with hearing and ear health is growing every year. At the moment, statistics report that since 2004, the total number of deaf people and people with poor hearing in the world has increased by almost 100 million (in 2004, about 270 million people with poor hearing were recorded, in 2012 the figure increased to 360 million).
The main reason for the occurrence of hearing problems is that as people age, they experience gradual hearing loss, with age this problem usually worsens and the process is considered irreversible. Every third person over 67 years old has hearing problems, and hearing aids, unfortunately, are not always able to completely solve the problem. A hearing aid is not always available to an elderly person and in most cases it is able to solve only 20% of the problems that arise as a result of hearing loss.
Many people do not use hearing aids because of embarrassment or complexes that appear soon after hearing loss. People who begin to hear poorly due to age or another reason most often do not admit this fact, because they are afraid of being known as feeble-minded or people with limited abilities. In such cases, patients prefer to hide the presence of the problem and pretend that everything is fine, which can only cause premature hearing loss.
Doctors believe that a properly selected hearing aid can not only solve the problem of hearing loss, but also prevent progressive hearing loss. Each hearing aid should be selected with a qualified specialist and purchased with a prescription, similar to glasses. Hearing loss with age is a natural cause that will affect each of us in the future. In addition to age-related hearing loss, there are many other causes that can be called not natural, but acquired, and which can cause hearing loss at any age, even in children.
Colds and viral infections that are accompanied by purulent discharge from the ears can undoubtedly lead to complications and further hearing loss if not treated properly. Complications can even lead to such consequences as meningitis or brain abscess. Any discharge from the ear cavity should be a signal that it is worth contacting a doctor.
Excessive noise can also cause gradual hearing loss. If you need to be in a noisy place or near equipment that makes loud noises, you should consider wearing ear protection. Diseases such as measles, rubella, or mumps can also affect a person’s hearing, especially in childhood.