On the occasion of World Ear and Hearing Care Day, which is celebrated on March 3, the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) alerts that 75% of the inhabitants of industrialized cities suffer from hearing loss due to high intensity sound exposure, and calls for action to address hearing loss and ear diseases.
The World Health Organization estimates that by the year 2050, one in four people will have hearing problems and up to 700 million people will need ear care to improve their hearing. The main causes of these problems are excessive exposure to loud noise, poor diet and excessive consumption of ototoxic drugs.
Special caution with the hearing health of the youngest
According to the WHO, the acceptable noise limit for the human ear is 65 dB, equivalent to the sound of a vacuum cleaner, while from 125 dB, such as that produced by a drill, it can become painful. The Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC) warns that exposure to noise can also have serious consequences on the hearing health of young people. In fact, half of Spanish adolescents and young people may suffer from hearing loss or tinnitus due to noise exposure. The main risk factors are the use of headphones to listen to music at a high volume and attending concerts and entertainment venues with loud music. It is essential to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and ear care from an early age to avoid future hearing problems.
Precisely, World Ear and Hearing Care Day, which is celebrated every March 3 and was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007, was born with the aim of raising awareness among the population about the importance to prevent hearing loss and promote ear care and attention.
The Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery emphasizes the need for people who experience hearing loss to see an otolaryngologist specialist to receive the appropriate care and treatment for their particular case. It is essential not to underestimate hearing problems, as they can seriously affect a person’s quality of life and their ability to communicate with others. Additionally, early detection of hearing loss may allow for more effective intervention and avoid major complications in the future.
Fountain: SEORL-CCC
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