KARACHI: Expressing concern over unsafe listening practices, speakers at a seminar warned that overuse of headphones could cause permanent hearing loss and that ear disorders were common in Pakistan with around 14.5 million people currently suffering from varying degrees of hearing impairment.

The event was held at the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) organised by its ENT department at the Ojha campus in connection with World Hearing Day.

According to experts, ear health is a subject of global concern and international data indicates substantial increase in hearing loss across the world.

They estimated that around 20 per cent of the world’s population, roughly around 1.5 billion people, were currently grappled with hearing loss.

Say around 14.5m Pakistanis suffer from impaired hearing

“By the year 2050, it is estimated that approximately 2.5 billion individuals worldwide will experience some form of hearing impairment and at least 700 million people will need hearing rehabilitation,” Prof Atif Hafeez Siddiqui said.

Citing the WHO estimates, he said, over one billion young adults were susceptible to permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.

Prof Siddiqui emphasised the need for preventive measures and awareness campaigns while pointing out that lifelong disability could be avoided with timely diagnosis and proper treatment of hearing loss.

In his speech, Dr Shakeel Ahmad Khan shared how the unsafe use of new technologies was damaging ear health.

“People, especially the youth, must minimise the use of hands-free devices and acclimatise the ears to a suitable and quiet sound, otherwise today’s hobby may cause hearing loss in future life,” he said, advising medical consultation in case of minor hearing loss.

Experts also mentioned that several other factors were also contributing to hearing loss in Pakistan, including ear and head injuries, noise pollution and accumulation of earwax.

Dr Akbar Abbas talked about childhood hearing impairment and cochlear implant while Dr Aqeelur Rehman explained the ways of understanding and improvement of hearing defects.

Dr Sidra Kaleem Jafri briefed the audience about the impact of hearing ability on children’s development.

Earlier, a walk was also held, starting from the OT complex and concluding at the physiotherapy building.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2024