Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 3: Health experts in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concerns over the growing burden of hearing impairment, revealing that nearly 0.2 per cent of the population in the Union Territory is affected by hearing disabilities.
Medical professionals attribute this largely to ageing and chronic exposure to loud noise, cautioning that hearing loss is often gradual but largely preventable with timely care and awareness.
Dr Neelofar Jan, an ENT specialist, said that hearing loss is broadly classified into three types—conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.
She explained that conductive hearing loss occurs due to problems in transmitting sound waves through the outer or middle ear. “This can result from issues like earwax buildup, fluid accumulation, infections, perforation of the eardrum, or abnormalities in the ear bones,” Dr Neelofar said, adding that many such cases are treatable.
On the other hand, sensorineural hearing loss is linked to damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve. “This type is commonly caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise or natural ageing, also known as presbycusis. It is usually managed with hearing aids,” she said.
Dr Tabassum, another ENT specialist, said the World Hearing Day aims to promote ear and hearing care, early detection, and access to treatment, noting that many cases of hearing impairment can be prevented or effectively managed if diagnosed early.
“Good hearing is essential for communication, learning, and overall well-being. Our ears work closely with the brain to process sounds, helping us understand our surroundings,” she said.
She added that hearing loss may be congenital or acquired, with common acquired causes including noise exposure, ageing, viral infections such as meningitis, measles, and mumps, as well as autoimmune conditions.
Doctors also pointed out that symptoms of hearing loss often go unnoticed initially and may include muffled speech, difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, increasing volume levels of devices, and social withdrawal.
Another ENT specialist from Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar said that damage to delicate hair cells in the inner ear due to ageing or noise exposure is a major cause. “Once these cells are damaged, sound signals are not transmitted efficiently to the brain, leading to hearing impairment,” he said.
They further added that earwax blockage, infections, sudden loud blasts, pressure changes, or injury to the eardrum can also impair hearing, while conditions like tinnitus and Meniere’s disease may additionally affect ear health.
Experts stressed that while some forms of hearing loss—especially conductive types—can be medically or surgically treated, others may require assistive devices such as hearing aids. In severe cases, cochlear implants can offer significant improvement.
Raising concern over the broader impact, Dr Tabassum said, “Globally, nearly one in four individuals experiences some degree of hearing loss. In our communities, too, every third or fourth person may have some level of hearing difficulty, often ignored.”
She urged people to prioritise regular ENT check-ups, avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds, and seek medical advice at the early signs of hearing issues. “Protecting hearing today is essential to ensuring better communication, social inclusion, and quality of life tomorrow,” she added. (KNO)
