Chennai: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 430 million people experience disabling hearing loss, a number that could grow to nearly 700 million by 2050.
Unaddressed hearing loss poses a significant challenge, hindering language development,
communication, cognition, and limiting access to education, employment, and social interactions.
Hearing loss often referred to as an ‘invisible disability’ due to the lack of visible symptoms, has long been stigmatised across communities.
Early identification of hearing loss and ear diseases is key to effective management. Commenting on the importance of early intervention and hearing technology Dr Sanjeev Mohanty, senior consultant, head, Institute of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, MGM Healthcare, Chennai, said, “In our country, majority cases of hearing loss are diagnosed late. Major reasons for such delay are unavailability of newborn screening program and low awareness. The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) program can help in early diagnosis which in turn will lead to early treatment.”