Decreasing Age of Hearing Impairment Lurks in Society 5.5 million Iranians Suffer from Hearing Loss
Decreasing Age of Hearing Impairment Lurks in Society 5.5 million Iranians Suffer from Hearing Loss
The Head of the Audiology Department at the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, warning of the widespread prevalence of hearing loss, tinnitus, balance disorders, and auditory processing issues, stated: Currently, about 5.5 million people in the country suffer from hearing loss. Alongside the success of newborn screening, the neglect of elderly screening and impairments caused by noise pollution and excessive headphone use has become a major challenge for hearing health.
According to the report from the university's web correspondent, Dr. Mahna Javanbakht, Head of the Audiology Department and a member of the Iranian Audiology Specialist Board, while congratulating the 10th of Mordad as National Audiology Day and noting the vital role of hearing in communication, learning, and active social participation, said: Hearing is the first sense to develop in humans and the last sense to leave them.
The Education Officer of the Iranian Audiology Scientific Association added, while presenting statistics on the hearing status in the country: Currently, about 5.5 million people nationwide suffer from hearing loss. According to statistics, for every thousand live births, approximately 4 infants suffer from various degrees of hearing loss, which, if not diagnosed and intervened upon on time, severely affects their educational and social future.
Success in Newborn Screening, Neglect of the Elderly
Dr. Javanbakht, referring to the success of the newborn hearing screening program with over 94 percent coverage, stated: Fortunately, the age of diagnosing hearing loss in infants has reached international standards (under one year of age, primarily between 1 to 3 months); however, unfortunately, universal screening for age-related hearing loss in the elderly remains neglected. This occurs even though about 48 percent of people over 65 and almost all individuals over 80 suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss.
Emphasizing the role of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences as a leading institution in this field, she clarified: In addition to training specialized personnel, this university has taken effective steps by conducting problem-oriented research in improving the diagnosis and rehabilitation processes for hearing disorders, tinnitus, central processing, and vestibular balance disorders.
Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, and Balance Disorders are Among the Most Common Issues
Dr. Javanbakht continued by describing the most common problems in this field, stating: Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent issues, and factors such as consanguineous marriage, genetic disorders, indiscriminate use of antibiotics, and noise pollution are among the most important predisposing factors. Many people do not take the serious effects of hearing loss—such as reduced social interaction, increased risk of dementia, memory impairment, and depression—seriously.
Referring to the issue of tinnitus and its prevalence, which is estimated at 15 to 20 percent in Iran, she emphasized: Any sound in the ear without an external sound source must be taken seriously. Those affected should avoid following incorrect advertisements in cyberspace and instead consult audiology specialists.
Dr. Javanbakht said: Balance disorders of otogenic origin are controllable if diagnosed promptly and play a key role, especially in the elderly, in preventing falls and physical injuries.
Decreasing Age of Hearing Impairment due to Headphones and Noise Pollution
Regarding central auditory processing disorders, she added: This field, which deals with how the brain analyzes sound, is of high importance for both children and the elderly, and specialists at this university have achieved significant scientific accomplishments in this area.
The university professor concluded by expressing concern over the decreasing age of hearing impairment due to the excessive use of headphones and noise pollution, noting: It is hoped that officials, by paying more attention to the importance of evaluating and rehabilitating hearing health and balance across all age groups, will pave a smoother path for improving the quality of life for our fellow citizens.
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