Fifty-Four million Africans are expected to suffer hearing loss by the year 2030, says the World Health Organisation, WHO.
In a latest report by the world health body, 40 million Africans are currently deaf with the figure to rise to 54 million by 2030. WHO added that the continent currently spends $27 million annually to treat deafness which has affected the socio-economic lives of the people.
The report further stated that the poor and children are the most affected and warned that if urgent actions are not taken, the situation could escalate and pose challenges to the continent’s health services.
WHO noted that hearing loss in children affects their language development and increases the risk of poor educational outcomes and limited career prospects in the future.
It added that children living in developing countries are mostly affected as a result of infections and common ear diseases, as well as birth complications.
In adults, some of the consequences include stigmatization, isolation, loneliness and increased risk of depression and dementia.
“More than 56 percent of African countries have just a single ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for every million people, whereas in Europe, it is roughly 50 per million.
“Meanwhile, more than three-quarters of countries have fewer than one audiologist and one speech and language therapist for every million people.
“Although 33 million Africans could benefit from a hearing aid, only around 10 per cent have access due to lack of EHC financing, and consequent high costs,” the report added..