According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss. Experts predict this number will rise to 2.5 billion by 2050. Globally, about 34 million children have significant hearing impairment, and 60% of these cases could have been prevented with proper awareness.
To raise awareness about hearing-related issues and disabilities among the general public, the International Week of Deaf People is being observed from September 22 to 28. The theme for Deafness awareness Week 2025 is “No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights”. On this occasion, The Association of Otolaryngologists of India (AOI) organized a press conference at the Kolkata Press Club on 25th September.
Dr. Dwaipayan Mukherjee, AOI’s All India President and ENT surgeon, professor and HOD KPC Medical College and Hospital, highlighted that excessive use of headphones can risk hearing loss. He also noted that loud noise from firecrackers during festivals like Durga Puja and Kali Puja can cause severe damage to hearing.
Risks of Hearing Loss : Repeated ear infections from colds or exposure to water can lead to hearing impairment. Dr. Utpal Jana, President of AOI West Bengal Chapter, emphasized consulting ENT specialists for such problems.
Prevention and Treatment: AOI urges people to consult ENT specialists if they experience ear problems. Dr. Ajay Khawas, Secretary of the organization, stated that early detection of hearing issues in new-borns allows for interventions like hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Safe Headphone Use : Dr. Snehashis Barman emphasized limiting headphone use to less than 2 hours continuously and using headphones with sound levels below 50 decibels for work purposes.
Dr. Soumendranath Bandopadhyay has said that on September 28, International Day for the Deaf, AOI stresses the importance of using hearing aids like glasses to lead a normal life. With advanced medical technology, many ear problems can be addressed, but public awareness on hearing health remains relatively low.