THE data disclosed byHandle they speak clearly. In Italy over 7 million Italians, approximately 12.4% of the population, suffer from hearing loss. Ours is the first European country to have this problem. Of these, 40% already use hearing aids, a figure that is close to that of France and Germany, and 96% of them confirmed the improvement in quality of life after adopting them. This is an overview that was outlined during the XXI Congress of the Italian Federation of Hearing Care Prosthetists-FIA.
Hearing loss, the overview in Italy
«It is estimated that they are beyond that 7 million Italians (around 12.4% of the population) suffer from it. The explanation for this data is complex, but the factors that contribute most to this value are primarily demographic ageing: Italy has one of the oldest populations in Europe andAging is the main cause of hearing loss» explains the Dr. Vittorio Rinaldi, Specialist in OtolaryngologyTiberia Hospital GVM Care & Research in Rome. In addition to this fact, we must also consider the fact that many tend to minimize the problem and the first signs, delaying diagnosis and therapy.
«Consider that the late diagnosis of hearing loss can have a strong impact on quality of life: in children it can have a negative impact on the ability to communicate, the development of cognitive functions and socializationwhile in the elderly people can promote isolation and have a negative impact on neurodegenerative diseases. A further element is represented by limited implementation of mass screening programs and information campaigns: there remains considerable difficulty on the part of the adult population in carrying out periodic checks even in the absence of symptomatic manifestations” specifies the expert.
The causes behind hearing loss
Behind the problem different factors. Definitely there old age plays a fundamental role in most cases. In fact, if already many people, around 60% begin to have a hearing deficit around the age of 50, the percentage increases drastically from the age of 70 onwards: «In this age group the main causes are presbycusis, i.e. the physiological aging of the ear, age-related pathologies such as diabetes and hypertension and possible smoking».
The real problem is when this deficiency manifests itself in young people, if not even in adolescents. According to data reported by the World Health Organization, approximately 17% of adolescents worldwide suffer from this problem. Again, «again according to the WHO, over a billion young people between the ages of 12 and 35 globally are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to too loud sounds». That is, their hearing is continually stressed by headphones and earphones, where music is listened to at too high a volume, continuous frequenting of too noisy venues also has consequences, as does exposure to too loud professional noises. «In children, however, the main causes of hearing loss are infections such as untreated ear infections, rubella, meningitis and genetic or congenital factors».
Prevention and treatments: how to take action
Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are the three key words, according to the expert, to tackle the problem. First of all, it is essential to make some periodic checks: «Especially after the age of 50 or in case of exposure to noise, it is essential to carry out audiometric tests on a regular basis which allow early intervention on hearing disorders”. Prevention also involves noise protection: «The use of earplugs or protective headphones in very noisy environments, such as at work, at concerts or during a hobby is a valid help. Attention to one conscious use of earphones: keep the volume of smartphones or media players below 60% and limit listening time. In the end, carry out the appropriate vaccinations, in particular for measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcus, and not neglecting inflammation and ear infections”.
What if you already suffer from the problem? «In patients who already suffer from hearing loss a Valid help comes from hearing aids or prostheses: they are the most common and widespread solution. They are not simple amplifiers but intelligent and discreet devices that integrate advanced technologies, such as wireless connectivity, artificial intelligence, apps. In Italy, use is increasing, although there remains a gap compared to other countries, where the hearing aid is generally experienced more naturally, or only as a tool to improve the quality of life. In cases of severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss, cochlear implants, i.e. surgically implanted electronic devices, can restore auditory perception. In cases of conductive hearing loss, i.e. caused for example by ear infections, earwax, otosclerosis, it is often possible to proceed with a definitive medical or surgical therapy. Finally, scientific research is active on innovative therapies such as gene therapy for hereditary forms of deafness.”