National Hearing Health Week Emphasizes Awareness, Prevention

As part of the National Hearing Health Week, observed on Feb. 23-28, 2025, the National Rehabilitation Institute Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INRLGII) is urging the public to adopt preventive measures to protect themselves from hearing disorders. These measures align with broader efforts to prevent hearing loss, a condition that affects between 8 million and 10 million people in Mexico.

The National Hearing Health Week aims to raise awareness about the importance of ear care, promote early detection of hearing loss, and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment. The initiative also encourages the use of hearing aids, programmed by audiology specialists, to enhance quality of life, social interaction, and access to rehabilitation services.

According to INEGI, 53% of individuals affected by hearing disorders are women, while 47% are men. To help prevent these issues, one key recommendation is limiting headphone use to no more than 60 minutes a day and keeping the volume below 60% of the maximum, as reported by Mexico’s Ministry of Health (SSA).

It is also important to avoid prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels, says Ruth López, Audiology Service Head for Adults, INRLGII. She suggests using ear protection in noisy environments and maintaining proper ear hygiene, advising against inserting objects that could cause damage. If ear cleaning is necessary, consulting a specialist is essential.

For children, early screening is critical. López stresses the importance of the Neonatal Hearing Screening Test, which should be conducted within the first month of life. Up to 60% of hearing loss cases in children can be prevented through strategies like vaccination, infection control, and reducing exposure to loud noises.

Untreated hearing loss in childhood can lead to delays in language development, difficulties in learning and communication, and an increased risk of neurocognitive disorders, anxiety, and depression. 

López adds that presbycusis, age-related hearing loss, is the most common cause of hearing impairment in the country. This condition affects one in three people over the age of 60. Those at higher risk also include individuals exposed to noise at work, children with perinatal risk factors, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which can double the likelihood of hearing loss.

Other contributing factors to hearing disorders include the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, certain cancer treatments, and head trauma.