A viewpoint article published on “JAMA Network” on World Hearing Day considers the ways in which large-scale, public healthcare systems can implement strategies to address hearing loss which include funding research, improving communication, and streamlining hearing care services.
In a recent survey of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by the British Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (BIHIMA), consumers were questioned about their awareness of the co-existence of hearing loss and other diseases such as dementia, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Researchers identified 41 people with opioid exposure who experienced full or partial hearing loss or tinnitus, likely caused by toxicity to the ear. More than half had used heroin, followed by oxycodone, methadone, and tramadol; 88% had only one known exposure.
