New Delhi: ENTOD Pharmaceuticals is proud to announce its comprehensive initiative aimed at raising awareness and providing support for individuals affected by hearing loss. With the World Health Organisation (WHO) issuing warnings about the increasing prevalence of hearing impairment globally, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals recognises the urgency of taking proactive measures to address this critical health issue.
According to the WHO’s first World Report on Hearing, released ahead of World Hearing Day, nearly 2.5 billion people worldwide – or 1 in 4 individuals – are projected to be living with some degree of hearing loss by 2050. At least 700 million of these individuals will require access to ear and hearing care services, highlighting the pressing need for action. Furthermore, a recent comprehensive study conducted in India assessed 92,097 individuals across 6 sites using WHO-recommended techniques, making it the largest of its kind. The findings highlighted the prevalence and impact of hearing loss, revealing that 2.9 per cent of the population suffers from disabling hearing loss, particularly affecting communication, education, and work. Rural areas show a higher prevalence, with total hearing loss and other conditions reaching 9.93 per cent. Additionally, the elderly face a significant burden, constituting 40.5 per cent of all cases and 72.4 per cent of disabling ones. Identified risk factors include smokeless tobacco use, heavy smoking, and exposure to various types of noise. These results emphasise the urgency of targeted interventions to address the root causes and mitigate the consequences of hearing loss on individuals and communities.
ENTOD Pharmaceuticals’ initiative for World Hearing Day 2024 includes a series of Awareness Camps and Free Sampling Camps to be conducted across India, engaging more than 400 doctors nationwide. These camps will serve as platforms for doctors to educate patients on crucial topics such as Ear Care and the impact of noise on hearing. Patient awareness leaflets and posters will also be distributed to disseminate essential information.
Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, expressed his commitment to addressing the global challenge of hearing loss, stating, “At ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, we are deeply committed to addressing the growing challenge of hearing loss. Our initiative for World Hearing Day 2024 reflects our firm belief in the importance of raising awareness, providing support, and ensuring access to vital hearing care services for all. The findings of the recent study underscore the urgency of our mission, and we are committed to leveraging our resources and expertise to drive meaningful change in this critical area of public health. By working together with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocacy groups, we can make a significant impact in improving the lives of those affected by hearing loss and promoting a world where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the gift of sound.”
ENTOD Pharmaceuticals underscores the significance of education and advocacy as essential pillars in addressing hearing loss effectively. Utilising diverse platforms such as social media, workshops, and community events, the company endeavors to disseminate crucial information regarding the prevalence and impact of hearing loss, early detection methods, and available treatments. By fostering awareness, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals aims to dismantle stigmas and misconceptions surrounding hearing impairment, empowering individuals to seek timely assistance and support. Additionally, the company is committed to engaging with policymakers, advocating for inclusive policies, and championing accessibility measures to foster a more inclusive society where individuals with hearing loss can fully participate and engage.
Dr. Roshan Bonde, ENT, Palghar, Maharashtra, a leading healthcare professional involved in ENTOD Pharmaceuticals’ initiative, highlighted the significance of early detection and intervention in combating hearing loss. “Identification is the first crucial step in addressing hearing loss and related ear diseases. Through increased public awareness and access to screening services, we can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals affected by hearing loss. Additionally, precautionary measures such as immunisation for prevention of rubella and meningitis, improved maternal and neonatal care, and screening for, and early management of, otitis media are essential in preventing child hearing loss.”
With the World Hearing Day on the horizon, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals extends a cordial invitation to individuals, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocacy groups to join forces in a collaborative endeavor. Together, they aim to elevate awareness, facilitate access to essential services, and shape a future where individuals with hearing loss are empowered to lead fulfilling lives.
