In the Republic of Moldova, the prevalence of ear diseases is at increased levels. According to official statistics, the incidence in adults in 2022 was 63.8 cases per 10,000 inhabitants, as opposed to 58.6 cases per 10,000 inhabitants in 2021. The children are the most affected – 140.7 cases per 10,000 inhabitants, compared to 2021, when there were 100 cases per 10,000 inhabitants. The data were presented by the National Public Health Agency in connection with World Hearing Day that is marked on March 3, IPN reports.

The causes of hearing loss can be different depending on age. In the intrauterine period, it can be caused by hereditary factors, but also by intrauterine infections, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus. In the perinatal period, the determining factors can be low birth weight, severe jaundice or birth asphyxia. In childhood or adolescence, hearing loss can be caused by chronic ear infections, meningitis, or others. In adulthood, it can be smoking, trauma to the ear or head, loud noise or taking of drugs toxic to the ear, nutrient deficiencies, or genetic and progressive hearing loss.

The Agency warns that some of the factors leading to hearing loss can be avoided through public health strategies and clinical interventions implemented throughout life. Immunization, good practices of neonatal care and maternal health, and identification and management of common ear conditions are recommended. There are also programs to protect hearing in the workplace from exposure to noise and chemicals, “safe listening” strategies to reduce exposure to loud sounds, and rational use of drugs to prevent ototoxic hearing loss.

If left unaddressed, hearing loss can negatively impact many aspects of life, such as communication, language and speech development in children, cognition, education, employment, mental health, and interpersonal relationships.

According to the National Public Health Agency, more than 1.5 billion people worldwide live with hearing loss. Almost 50% of adolescents and young adults (12-35 years), or 1.1 billion young people, are at risk of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud sounds by listening to music on smartphones and audio players, or at concerts and music clubs.