World Hearing Day

Source: PIB
GS II:  Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. World Hearing Day
3. How is India supporting people with disability in hearing?
4. Way Forward

Why in the News?

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities celebrates World Hearing Day to Promote Hearing Health Awareness.

News in Brief

• On March 3rd, the world unites to observe World Hearing Day to raise awareness about hearing impairment, preventing hearing loss, and promoting overall hearing care.
• Under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, National institutes and Regional Centers organised a series of awareness programmes.
• Another NI NIEPMD, Chennai organized an Awareness programme by giving training to airport authorities at Chennai Airport.

World Hearing Day

World Hearing Day is observed annually on March 3rd to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the globe. This initiative was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight the importance of preventing deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care.

About Hearing Disabilities

• According to the WHO, over 5% of the world’s population – approximately 430 million people – require rehabilitation to address their ‘disabling’ hearing loss.
• By 2050, it is estimated that over 900 million people – or one in every ten individuals – will have disabling hearing loss.
• Hearing loss can have profound effects on individuals, affecting their communication, education, employment, and overall quality of life.
• Many causes of hearing loss are preventable, including exposure to loud noises, infections, genetic causes, and complications during childbirth.
  • Occupational hearing loss is a significant concern in industries where workers are exposed to loud noises, such as construction, manufacturing, and agriculture.
  • Noise-induced hearing loss among young people is on the rise due to increased exposure to loud music through headphones and recreational activities.

Challenges

In low and middle-income countries, access to hearing care services is often limited, leading to untreated hearing loss and its associated consequences.

• Communication barriers: Hearing loss can hinder effective communication, making it difficult for individuals to engage in conversations, follow instructions, or participate in social activities. This can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and exclusion from social interactions.
• Limited access to information: Hearing-disabled individuals may struggle to access information through traditional auditory channels, such as spoken communication, telephone calls, and audiovisual media. This can affect their ability to stay informed about important news, events, and developments in their communities.
• Employment discrimination: Hearing-disabled individuals may encounter discrimination in the workplace due to misconceptions about their capabilities and communication needs. They may face challenges in finding suitable employment opportunities, accessing job-related training and accommodations, and advancing in their careers.
• Educational barriers: Hearing loss can pose significant challenges in educational settings, affecting students’ ability to learn, communicate, and participate in classroom activities. Limited access to assistive technologies, specialized support services, and trained educators can further exacerbate these barriers.
• Social stigma and discrimination: Hearing-disabled individuals may experience stigma, prejudice, and discrimination due to their hearing impairment. Negative attitudes and misconceptions about hearing loss can lead to social exclusion, bullying, and marginalization, impacting individuals’ self-esteem and mental well-being.
• Accessibility obstacles: Many public spaces, buildings, transportation systems, and digital platforms are not adequately designed to accommodate the needs of hearing-disabled individuals. Lack of captioning, sign language interpretation, hearing loops, and other accessibility features can create barriers to accessing essential services and participating fully in society.
• Healthcare disparities: Hearing-disabled individuals may face challenges in accessing timely and appropriate healthcare services due to communication barriers, limited availability of specialized providers, and gaps in insurance coverage. This can result in delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes.

How India supporting people with disability in hearing?

• India has taken several measures to support people with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments.
• The country has implemented various policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting the inclusion, empowerment, and well-being of individuals with hearing disabilities.  

Status of Hearing Disability in India

• According to WHO estimations, the estimated prevalence of Significant Auditory Impairment in India is 6.3%, with an estimated 63 million individuals living with the condition.
• According to the NSSO study, 291 people out of every lakh people have severe to profound hearing loss at the moment (NSSO, 2001).
• Among these, youngsters aged 0 to 14 make up a sizable portion.
• Given the sheer number of young Indians who are deaf, this results in a significant loss of economic and physical output.
• Unilateral (one-sided) hearing loss and milder forms of hearing loss affect an even greater portion of our population.

India supports people with hearing disabilities

• Legal framework
  • India has enacted several legislative measures to protect the rights and promote the welfare of persons with disabilities, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, of 2016.
  • This comprehensive legislation mandates equal opportunities, non-discrimination, and full participation in all aspects of life for individuals with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments.
• Right to Education ActAccessible education
  • Section 3 (2) of the RTE Act lays impetus on the elementary education of children with disabilities.
  • The government of India has implemented inclusive education policies to ensure that children with hearing disabilities have access to quality education.
  • Special schools, resource centres, and integrated education programs provide educational support, assistive technologies, and sign language interpretation to facilitate learning and development.
• Indian Sign Language (ISL)
  • It has been officially recognized as a language under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, of 2016.
  • This recognition promotes the use of sign language as a means of communication for individuals with hearing impairments and facilitates their access to information, education, and services.
• National Programme for the Prevention & Control of Deafness (NPPCD)
  • To prevent avoidable hearing loss on account of disease or injury.
  • To medically rehabilitate persons of all age groups, suffering from deafness.
  • Manpower Training & Development: For prevention, early identification and management of hearing-impaired and deafness cases, training would be provided from medical college-level specialists (ENT and Audiology) to grassroots-level workers.

Way Forward

• Implementing public health strategies to prevent hearing loss, such as raising awareness about the risks of exposure to loud noises and promoting the use of hearing protection.
• Improving access to affordable and quality hearing care services, especially in low-resource settings.
• Investing in research and innovation to develop effective interventions and treatments for hearing loss.
• Incorporating hearing health into broader public health agendas to ensure that it receives the attention and resources it deserves.

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