Hearing Loss In Rural India Expert Lists The Causes Challenges And The Way Forward

Published 2 weeks ago• 2 minute read

Expert

Hearing impairment is a growing yet often ignored crisis in rural India, affecting various spheres of life. Read on to learn expert-backed strategies to improve hearing health.

(WHO) reports that approximately 63 million Indians experience hearing impairment.

Rural communities are disproportionately burdened by the same based on issues of ignorance, a lack of healthcare services, and continued exposure to risk factors, as stated in a 2018 study. "In rural areas, there is a critical lack of specialists and hearing care services, as opposed to urban areas where state-of-the-art audiology facilities and interventions are provided," added Raja.

Many reasons account for high hearing impairment rates among rural Indians. Here are some common causes listed by Raja:

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The socio-economic consequences of hearing impairment are extensive in rural India:

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We need to embrace an integrated and holistic multi-pronged approach to the hearing health emergency in rural India. "Raising awareness, improving access to health care, and creating supportive policies are necessary for improving the lives of individuals with hearing loss. It is important to have mainstream hearing health discussions and make sure that the voices of rural India are heard," explained Raja.

Addressing hearing impairment in rural India requires a multi-faceted approach that combines early detection, accessible healthcare, and community awareness to ensure timely intervention and support. Here are some strategies listed by the expert:

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Collaboration between the private sector and the government would make hearing aids and cochlear implants cheaper and more accessible to rural communities.
Hearing health should be included in rural health programs for routine screening, particularly in children and elderly people.

Raja concluded, "It is crucial that hearing health takes place in rural India for the well-being and livelihood of millions. With hard work, we will be successful in providing treatment to all of rural India so that they are able to have productive lives."

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]

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