Health, Berrettini (Siaf): “Hearing problems at any age, prevention is everything”

Deafness affects all ages, from birth. Timely diagnosis is fundamental “through newborn screening and early prosthetic treatment – says Stefano Berrettini, president of the Italian Society of Audiology and Phoniatrics (Siaf) -. We make the diagnosis within 2-3 months, treatment with prostheses within 4 months and possibly the cochlear implant from 10 months of life onwards “. Newborn hearing screening “in Italy mandatory and recognized by Lea’s is performed in neonatology and birth centers on all children – explains the expert – A revolution that reduces language problems”. Hearing loss is subtle, “in adults and the elderly it does not manifest itself with alarm bells. An underestimated condition although it is more disabling than other disabilities. Hearing impaired people have a higher incidence of dementia. Being able to diagnose and treat deafness early is essential, ”he concludes.