KARACHI: Approximately 14.5 million people in Pakistan are experiencing varying degrees of hearing impairment. This statistic reflects significant portion of country’s population amidst global trend where around 1.5 billion people, accounting for roughly 20 percent of world’s populace, are grappling with hearing loss.

At seminar organised by Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) of   Dow University of Health Sciences Ojha Campus in connection with ‘World Hearing Day’, according to University statement issued.

Dr. Akbar Abbas highlighted role of hearing impairment in childhood and cochlear plant. Dr. Aqeel-ur-Rehman explained ways of understanding and improvement of hearing defects. Dr. Sidra Kaleem Jafri gave lecture on impact of hearing ability on children’s development.

Seminar was also told that by 2050, 2.5 billion people are likely to suffer from deafness and at least 70 million people will need hearing rehabilitation. Experts Prof. Atif Hafeez Siddiqui, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, Dr. Aqeel ur Rahman, Dr. Syed Akbar Abbas, Dr. Sidra Kaleem Jafri, Dr. Mahaynima Memon and others addressed seminar.

They said that due to increasing noise pollution and carelessness, population of world is suffering from some degree of hearing loss, while increasing noise pollution includes construction, industrial, traffic, hands-free devices and lively music.

Experts advised general public, especially youth, to minimise use of hand-free devices and acclimatise ears to suitable and quiet sound, otherwise today’s hobby may cause hearing loss in future life.

They said that in case of minor hearing loss or impairment, consult an expert immediately. They said that listening today is guarantee of good hearing in future life, adding hearing loss causes social, economic and social problems.

Experts said, “Lifelong disability can be avoided with timely diagnosis and proper treatment of hearing loss.” Experts highlighted number of significant factors contributing to hearing loss in Pakistan.

Citing data from World Health Organisation, experts noted projections indicating a substantial rise in prevalence of hearing loss globally.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 12 2024

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