Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
04:32
Sound Source Localization Testing in Single-sided Deafness Following Bone Conduction Intervention
Published on: December 20, 2024
[Societal cost of pre-lingual deafness]
L Bubbico1, M A Bartolucci, D Broglio
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Italian Institute of Social Medicine, Rome, Italy. l.bubbico@iims.it
Annali Di Igiene : Medicina Preventiva E Di Comunita
|June 6, 2007
Summary
Congenital hearing loss poses significant economic challenges, with profound pre-lingual deafness costing over €737,000 per individual. Investing in prevention strategies, like newborn hearing screening, is crucial for reducing societal and healthcare burdens.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Economics
- Audiology
Context:
- Congenital hearing loss is a major cause of delayed language development.
- Pre-lingual deafness presents substantial medical and social challenges.
- Economic burden of hearing loss requires updated assessment.
Purpose:
- To estimate the economic burden of pre-lingual hearing loss.
- To analyze direct medical, non-medical, and indirect welfare costs.
- To evaluate the societal impact of deafness.
Summary:
- Lifetime cost for profound pre-lingual deafness estimated at €737,994 (male) and €755,404 (female).
- Direct medical costs (3.8%) are minimal compared to education, rehabilitation, and welfare (96.2%).
- Deafness impacts the social system more than the health system.
Impact:
- Societal costs can be reduced through effective prevention strategies.
- Universal newborn hearing screening is a proven public health measure.
- Investment in prevention offers significant long-term economic benefits.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Hearing
When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
00:50Unrenewable Cells
In humans, the photoreceptor cells of the eye and sensory hair cells of the ear lack stem cells. These cells are thus unrenewable and cannot be replaced when they are damaged or destroyed.
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of their outer...
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of their outer...
01:25Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are cognitive disorders caused by neurological impairments that affect cognitive functions like language and reading, without indicating overall intellectual or developmental challenges. These disabilities differ from global intellectual or developmental disabilities as they are limited to distinct cognitive functions. Common learning disabilities include dysgraphia, dyslexia, and dyscalculia, each of which impacts unique aspects of learning.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.