India, the South Asian country is the second most populous country in the world. With a population of more than a billion people, it is estimated that India has a significant number of hearing-impaired individuals.

Hearing loss is not a disease, it is a disorder that affects personal as well as professional life of an individual. Many believe it is an age-related disorder, on the contrary it is observed across all ages. As per the studies, it is found that 10-12% of the Indian population suffers from some form of hearing loss. India has robust training and education for audiologists compared to many low and middle-income countries.

Some Highlights

• Estimated prevalence of hearing impairment in India varies significantly depending on the definition used. 
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests a disabling hearing impairment of 5.9%, whereas National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) suggests a prevalence of 16.5% have some form of hearing disability. 
• Hearing impairment remains a major social and health issue in India, like many other disabilities.

It is true that prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. The estimated prevalence of by age is as follows:

50%	Above 80 years
30%	Above 60 years
20%	Among children Note: Every year, 3 in 1000 babies are born with severe to profound hearing loss

Children born with significant hearing loss either learn sign language or use gestures generally. The audiological rehabilitation with amplification use is becoming popular and oral communication has become more prevalent these days.

Treatment Options

Irrespective of the age, the hearing-impaired individuals are treated through the following manner:

• Medical Therapy
• Hearing Aids
• Cochlear Implants

Hearing loss should never be ignored, if ignored it can be harmful as many associated diseases resurface in an individual. With advancement of technologies, hearing aids are no bulkier. Invisible hearing aids are available in the market, with smart hearing aids, hearing need not be a cumbersome activity.

The best way to get rid of hearing problems is to visit a hearing care professional and get the right treatment as soon as the signs are visible!

However, at Ear Solutions now you do not have to worry about visiting the clinic, we provide free checkup at your doorstep. So, why wait? We are just a click away!