Half of the cases of loss of hearing can be prevented by primary examination, while another significant part of cases can be treated by early diagnosis and appropriate handling. Doctors convey this message on the occasion of the International Ear Care Day, IPN reports.

The Health Ministry’s data show there were 69.8 cases of ear diseases per 10,000 people in Moldova in 2012.

According to specialists, the loss of hearing does not depend on age and can happen anytime, while the number of hearing-impaired people has increased over the last 30 years. The hearing disorders in children can prevent the development of speech and cognitive abilities, which can lead to inappropriate progress at school.

In order to avoid hearing disorders, specialists recommend immunizing children against child diseases, including measles, meningitis, mumps and rubella, while the teens and women of fertile age should get vaccines against rubella before becoming pregnant.

The newborns facing an increased risk (from families with deaf people, born with small weight, with jaundice or meningitis) should be examined by specialists.

The World Health Organization estimated that 360 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, which is 5.3% of the global population.