Hearing and Deafness

Hearing is fundamental for Communicating and Society's Well-Being. Hearing loss takes on different aspects depending on the age group. Currently, the largest group suffering from deafness is associated with ageing. Deafness in old age contributes to social isolation and has great impact on mental health.

Sound trauma definitely damages the hair cells of the inner ear. Much has been done at industrial level and in the workplace, through specific regulations. However, in leisure activities, the damage caused by noise is sometimes underestimated.

The progressive onset of a hearing difficulty resulting from age is frequent. Exposure to the noise of a lifetime of work accelerates this hearing loss. For this reason, we have to raise the awareness of young people to preserve their ears, avoiding noise trauma. This care is even more important as they will live increasingly longer and if they cannot hear, their quality of life will be compromised.

It's rare to become completely deaf. In most cases, it is possible to have hearing rehabilitation with hearing aids. In very exceptional cases, cochlear implants can be used. We all have to understand the difficulties of those who hear poorly.

Ears are precious, we have to cherish them if we are to have lifelong hearing. It's not enough to have more years of life, we all want to give more life to the years. Accordingly, hearing is essential because it is the basis of communication and socialization.

On this World Deaf Day, we must reflect on what society can do to improve the situation.

Óscar Dias | Professor at FMUL and Otorhinolaryngologist