Vaccination's Role in Preventing Hearing Loss in Children

A recent study emphasizes the importance of vaccinations in preventing hearing loss among children and adolescents. It identifies 26 infectious pathogens that can lead to this condition, many of which are preventable through vaccination. The World Health Organization estimates that a significant percentage of childhood hearing loss could be avoided with proper immunization. Researchers from Université de Montréal conducted a thorough review, revealing the dangers of viruses like measles and rubella, particularly during pregnancy. The findings advocate for incorporating hearing loss impacts into vaccine evaluations, highlighting the broader benefits of immunization beyond saving lives.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2025, 15:11 IST

Significance of Vaccination in Hearing Health

New Delhi, June 3: A recent study highlights the crucial role of vaccinations in reducing the risk of hearing loss among children and teenagers, identifying 26 infectious agents that could lead to this condition.

Globally, over 1.5 billion individuals experience some level of hearing impairment. While age is a common factor, infections acquired during childhood and adolescence are significant contributors, many of which can be prevented.

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 60% of hearing loss in children could be avoided through public health initiatives, including vaccinations against rubella and specific types of meningitis.

To explore this further, researchers from Université de Montréal in Canada conducted a comprehensive review of existing scientific literature.

Their findings, published in the journal Communications Medicine, pinpointed 26 infectious pathogens linked to hearing loss, including the viruses responsible for measles and rubella, the latter being particularly harmful during pregnancy as it can affect the developing auditory system and lead to congenital deafness.

The research also identified the mumps virus, which can cause sensorineural hearing loss by damaging the inner ear or auditory nerve, along with bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis, known to cause meningitis and result in irreversible hearing damage.

"When a vaccine is proven to save lives, it is logical for policy decisions to be based on that evidence," stated Mira Johri, a professor at the School of Public Health (EPSUM).

"Moreover, vaccines can provide substantial benefits in preventing additional issues like hearing loss, which warrants more focus."

The study advocates for the inclusion of hearing loss impacts in vaccine assessments, both for new developments and existing products. This consideration could also guide research priorities for future vaccine innovations.