Hearing Impairment: A Public Health Issue

Abstract

Hearing impairment is one of the important components of the universe of all the disabilities. Compromised hearing
health varies in its type and severity. Increasing prevalence of hearing impairment, globally and in India, is due
to an increase in the aging population related to improved longevity, environmental reasons like chronic exposure
to rising noise pollution and to that of ototoxic substances. Impact of hearing impairment to any age group– children,
adolescents and young or old persons has life-time adverse consequences influencing education, job opportunities,
socialization and quality of life. While visual disability attracts sympathy from society, hearing impairment
more often causes societal-ridicule. Community awareness, parental education, improved screening programs for
hearing health at all levels of health care with established network for appropriate referral are the need of the hour.
Hearing impairment is considered as a disability and the person/s affected can avail the assistance from the ADIP
scheme of the Government of India provided he/she has a disability certificate that depends on the severity of the
hearing impairment.