As part of efforts to reduce hearing loss and its associated impact, the World Health Organisation has called for regular hearing check, saying it will enable early detection and intervention.
In a statement to commemorate this year’s World Hearing Day, WHO said it had launched a free application mobile device, which allows people to check their hearing regularly and intervene early in case of hearing loss.
The app named “hearWHO” is targeted at those who are at risk of hearing loss or who already experience some of the symptoms related to hearing loss.
The app according to the UN agency will particularly be of benefit to people who are often exposed to high level of sound, such as those who listen to loud music or work in noisy places; people who use medicines that are harmful to hearing; and people aged above 60 years.
Giving insight into the need for regular hearing checks, Director, WHO Department for the Management of Noncommunicable Diseases, Disability, and Violence and Injury Prevention, Etienne Krug, said many people with hearing loss were unaware of it and as such they miss ed out on educational, professional and everyday-life opportunities.
He said regular hearing checks ensure that hearing loss is identified and addressed as early as possible.
“Early detection of hearing loss is crucial to identify risky behaviours that need to be changed and ascertain the most appropriate intervention needed to address hearing loss.
“Such interventions are identified by hearing care professionals and can range from captioning and sign language to hearing aids and cochlear implants. Interventions to prevent, identify and address hearing loss are cost-effective,” Krug
said.
According to WHO, the symptoms indicating the onset of hearing loss include a ringing sensation in the ear known as tinnitus; frequently missing parts of a conversation; or a tendency to increase the volume of the television, radio or audio devices.
Explaining how the app works, he said: “HearWHO app is based on a validated digits-in-noise technology: users are asked to concentrate, listen and enter into their mobile devices a series of three numbers when
prompted.
“These numbers have been recorded against varying levels of background sound, simulating listening conditions in everyday life.”
The World Hearing Day is held March 3 every year to create awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss. The World Hearing Day is also promoting ear and hearing care across
the world.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is “check your hearing”.
