PHOTO: FILE
More than 360 million people in the world suffer from hearing impairments, said a new World Health Organisation report, admitting that the problem is worse in the developing world where people lack basic access to healthcare.
The report was released to commemorate International Ear Care Day, which falls on March 3 (today).
According to Dr Shelly Chadha from WHO’s Department of Prevention of Blindness and Deafness, less than one of 40 people needing hearing aid in developing countries, are able to acquire one.
“About half of all cases of hearing loss can be treated through timely diagnosis and the use of surgically implanted hearing devices,” said Chadha. “Individuals who can’t hear can also benefit from being part of social support systems and sign language training.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 3rd, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ