Since before we are born we are perceiving the world around us by hearing. The sense of hearing gives us the possibility to learn, develop and internalize oral language in a natural way. Hearing is essential for the proper development of the human being.
“The ear is essential for the development of both speech or the ability to emit sounds, and language or the ability to understand and use these sounds,” says the doctor, Laura Gonzalezaudiologist of the Medical Center.
According to the specialist, the first years of life are essential to acquire all kinds of learning, crucial for the social, emotional and cognitive development of the infant.
As we grow having adequate hearing contributes to the development of the human being in their cultural, linguistic, socio-affective, personal expressions, in thought and in knowledge, facilitating performance in educational, professional and family environments.
According to the World Health Organization, WHO, more than 360 million people suffer from disabling hearing loss (5% of the world population), of which approximately 165 million are people over 65 years of age and 32 million are children under the age of 15 years.
Hearing loss is define as the decrease or loss of hearing capacity, that is, a difficulty or impossibility to hear normally. It can be unilateral, affecting only one ear, or bilateral, if it affects both.
In Colombia, studies suggest that approximately five million people have hearing problems, which is equivalent to 11% of the population, although the proportion increases to 14% in the active population, between 25 and 50 years of age.
“Hearing impairment, or hypoacusis, depending on the degree of loss and its characteristics, hinders said development, as well as performance in daily activities. and the establishment of adequate communication with the people around us”, says Dr. González.
The most critical thing, according to the specialist, is that the problem also leads to loneliness, isolation and frustration, especially in older people who suffer from it.
Hearing loss can be of congenital origin or acquired, that is, from birth or during life. Hence, the importance of hearing assessment at birth or shortly thereafter. Observe, for example, hereditary and non-hereditary factors, complications during pregnancy, childbirth or after it.
According to Dr. González, acquired hearing loss occurs at any time in life, due to infectious diseases, head trauma, exposure to or use of ototoxic drugs, aging, and exposure to high levels of noise, whether occupational or social. among others.
The causes of hearing loss in childhood are diverse. It is estimated that 40% of cases are due to genetic factors; 31% to infectious diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella, and meningitis; and 17% to perinatal complications, particularly prematurity, low birth weight, and neonatal jaundice.
Likewise, it is estimated that 4% of hearing loss cases in childhood are due to the administration of ototoxic drugs to pregnant women and newborns.
Hearing can be measured from the first days of life. According to age, electrophysiological evaluations are carried out, such as auditory evoked potentials and otoacoustic emissions, among others.
There are also simple hearing tests that allow assessing the degree of hearing loss, language comprehension difficulties, the presence of sound transmission difficulties, and various alterations such as the presence of tinnitus or sounds in the ears, sensations of fullness aural (clogged ear), vertigo or dizziness, among others.
“Half of the cases of hearing loss can be easily prevented and many can be treated if they are detected early and the appropriate interventions are carried out”, points out the audiologist.
Among the treatment alternatives are the placement of implants and the use of hearing aids. In addition, people with hearing loss can receive therapeutic support, according to the sequelae of the alteration or if it is accompanied by neurological disorders.
However, statistics show that only three out of ten people seek help and go to a specialist, and a smaller proportion accept the need to use hearing aids and other technological alternatives to improve their listening.
Currently, hearing aids allow a positive experience of patient relationship with their family, educational, work, and personal environment.