Millions living among us in silence
dubai — There are moments in life when hearing matters the most such as when a baby hears the mother’s voice for the first time or when raindrops drum a beat on a tin roof. These are once in a lifetime sounds that no one should have to miss.
Today, March 3 is World Hearing Day and is meant to raise awareness and promote ear and hearing care around the world.
Moments of Silence, a campaign film that sheds light on the loss of hearing has been launched by MED-EL Medical Electronics, provider of hearing implant solutions in the Middle East which highlights the significance of hearing in one’s life.
In reality, hearing loss affects the day-to-day lives and experiences of over five per cent of the world’s population, with 360 million people currently living with disabling hearing loss.
In the UAE, it is estimated that hearing loss affects approximately four per cent of the population. Not to mention the growing number of undiagnosed people who are still unaware of their hearing loss issues. These numbers speak volumes regarding the need for better awareness, stronger endorsements and active advocacies for hearing loss.
Dr Ingeborg Hochmair, MEDEL CEO comments: “Hearing empowers us, it enriches our lives, and we have come a long way in enabling more people to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication. However, there is more to be done, particularly to improve global access to and awareness of the full range of hearing solutions available to people living with hearing loss.”
Notably, this year’s theme for World Hearing Day is ‘Action for hearing loss: make a sound investment’, highlighting the impact of hearing loss on both individuals and society, while drawing attention to different interventions to address it.
The World Health Organisation estimates the financial cost of hearing loss to be $750 billion every year but the cost is also personal and contributes to an individual’s overall health. Untreated hearing loss affects communication and can lead to social isolation, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline.
“People living in a silence caused by their untreated hearing loss could often find themselves unfamiliar with some of life’s most valued moments. Firming their sense of societal exclusion at times,” said David Raetz, regional director and CEO Middle East.
“Regrettably, there is lots of misinformation and misperception about hearing loss, and mainly about available treatments of hearing loss. And we continue to emphasize that early identification, followed by appropriate diagnosis and intervention, as well as recognising the importance of a proper hearing solution in reaching the desired benefits.”
..We have come a long way in enabling more people to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication. However, there is more to be done.” Dr Ingeborg Hochmair, MED-EL CEO