Audiology Services in India

Hearing impairment is common throughout the world, and it is estimated that 50% of all deafness and hearing impairment is preventable. The World Health Organization (WHO, 1999) estimates that there are 255 million people worldwide with a hearing impairment; of those, two-thirds live in the developing countries. Although hearing loss is not a death causing disease, the implication of hearing impairment for the individual, family, and community is tremendous. The far-reaching implications of hearing loss, both in terms of development of communication skills as well as social, economic, and quality of life issues, warrant highlighting the magnitude and severity of the problem. This disability cannot be “seen” and, therefore, has been low-profile. At the same time, hearing loss programs in India are less developed than programs for individuals diagnosed with blindness. It is well documented that hearing loss and deafness is preventable, provided it is detected early and managed properly through appropriate he...