Hearing is an important function of the ear, through which we can hear sounds around us. Hearing is essential for language development, communication, social and emotional well-being, employment, and education. In addition, it is a sense that helps us engage in recreational activities such as music and entertainment.

Hearing loss is often called a hidden or invisible disability because people with such disabilities appear normal to the outside world and are often silent and isolated. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 1.5 billion people in the world experience some degree of hearing loss, and this number could reach 2.5 billion by 2050. Globally, about 90 million children aged 5 to 19 suffer from hearing loss. WHO also estimates that more than 1 billion young people are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud music. Many of the causes of hearing loss are preventable, according to effective public health awareness campaigns.

Every year on March 3, we celebrate World Hearing Day to raise global awareness about hearing health. This year’s theme is Hearing Care for All Children, from the Community to the Classroom. This has two aspects. First, we can prevent childhood hearing loss by ensuring early identification and care for children with hearing or hearing problems. Second, schools and communities are natural entry points for children, parents and teachers. By integrating hearing health into school health programs, we can help children hear, learn and succeed.

The World Health Organization recommends that all children should be screened for hearing loss and ear diseases at the time of school entry. In particular, hearing and hearing screening should be conducted regularly in schools, as long as health systems are able to accommodate this – at early school entry, in kindergarten, and in grades 1, 2, 3, 7 and 11 throughout the school year.

In addition to the above-mentioned situations, teachers and parents should refer the child to a health care provider for an ear and hearing test after learning about the child's hearing status. Be aware of the following situations:

1. The child's hearing, speech and language development is not developed, the child asks for repetition many times, difficulty learning 

2. Any ear problems such as water flowing from the ear, redness and swelling behind the ear 

3. Pain in or around the ear 

Teachers can help children with hearing loss by:

1. Seat the child at the front of the class 

2. Ensure proper lighting and look at the child's face when speaking 

3. Encourage support from peers 

4. Help children wear hearing aids 

5. Learn sign language to communicate with them 

Hearing loss can have a detrimental impact not only on the individual but also on the overall economic development of the country. Hearing loss directly affects speech and language development, interpersonal communication, education, learning and employment opportunities.

Hearing loss can affect any age group from birth to old age. There are many causes of hearing loss, such as: genetic causes, infections, injuries, birth-related (obstetric causes), age-related, use of ototoxic drugs and loud noise. 

Adverse perinatal conditions can cause hearing loss in newborns. Certain maternal infections during pregnancy, respiratory problems at birth, low birth weight, hyperbilirubinemia, meningitis and prolonged stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are risk factors for hearing loss. Similarly, direct trauma to the head and ear can cause hearing loss. The use of certain medications can cause hearing loss.

Middle ear infection (commonly called otitis media) is a major cause of hearing loss in our country. These patients present with pus discharge from the ear and hearing loss. If treated early, their hearing can improve.

Approximately 250 genes have been found to be responsible for hereditary hearing loss. These patients may have certain syndromes. Most of them have hearing loss, but some may have progressive hearing loss. Genetic hearing loss is often seen in children born through consanguineous marriages. Genetic counseling can help prevent this type of hearing loss. According to the Global Burden of Disease, 65 percent of people over the age of 60 experience some degree of hearing loss, and 25 percent of them have moderate to severe hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss is a significant cause of depression, social isolation, and dementia in the elderly population. Therefore, prevention and rehabilitation of hearing loss should be a priority for them. 

Hearing loss can occur due to occupational, recreational or environmental exposure to loud noise. Loud noise can permanently damage the hearing organ (cochlea).

In most developed countries, universal hearing screening of newborns is carried out for the purpose of early detection and intervention of hearing loss. However, in Nepal, there are only a few centers where newborn hearing is tested. Screening within one month of the baby's age, diagnosis within 3 months and intervention within 6 months are recommended. Early detection of ear and hearing problems in children, teaching them language, helping them with teaching methods and getting an education are considered important for social development.