Each third Moldovan older than 65 has poor hearing. Noise is one of the main causes that lead to poorer hearing or hearing loss. The warning was issued by the Ministry of Health in connection with the International Ear Care Day that is marked on March 3, IPN reports.
Noise affects hearing for several hours (following a rock music concert for example) or for good (in case of persons who are permanently subject to noise pollution). Millions of teenagers and young people are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices, including smartphones, and exposure to damaging levels of sound at noisy entertainment venues. Such recreational hearing loss has potentially devastating consequences for physical and mental health, education and employment.
According to official data, the ear disease incidence in Moldova in 2013 was 89.4 cases per 10,000 people. Early treatment for sudden loss of hearing can save the hearing. Most people recover, but about 15% have hearing loss that continues to worsen. Advances in hearing aid technology and cochlear implants are helping to improve communication for people affected by hearing loss.
Chronic otitis media is the most often cause of hearing loss. Everyone must see an otolaryngologist once in two years or every time a symptom related to the health of ear occurs.
