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Published on: Apr 04, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

COVID-19 LOCKDOWN !

As the cases continue to increase worldwide more and more countries have begun to take drastic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In some places it is clear containment is no longer achievable, as too many people have become infected and the natural exponential increase in number of cases is inevitable. Now the focus switches to damage mitigation.

We first saw this in Wuhan, with city wide quarantine measures. Then Italy enacted similar measures, now extending across the country with all non-essential services and businesses closed for the foreseeable future. The Italian health service has become strained with the rising patient load, with reports of drastic measures taken in hospitals including conversion of operating theatres into intensive care bays. We have previously discussed the effect this has had on the Italian economy.

A NEW EPICENTRE

With Europe now seen as the “epicentre” of the pandemic, other countries have begun following suit. Spain is the second hardest hit country in Europe, with 6,000 infections and nearly 200 deaths. After a lengthy meeting of the government cabinet, the Spanish PM has enacted a partial lockdown of the country, with the use of armed forces on standby to assist. This includes closure of all shops except those selling food and basic necessities, reduction in medium-distance rail traffic to stem the spread of people around the country, and economic measures to support business workers.

France has also shut down all non-essential businesses, with food shops, chemists, banks and petrol stations remaining unaffected. The PM urged a reduction in travel amongst the population, and to enact “social distancing”. Germany has 3,800 cases but remarkably has only had 8 deaths so far. Berlin has banned all public and private events with more than 50 participants, with similar bans occurring in other cities across the countries.

So what do they hope to achieve with such measures? At first people were advised to take measures to wash hands, practice basic hygiene, self-quarantine if developing symptoms. But it became apparent this was not enough. Social distancing and lockdowns further reduce the spread of the virus by drastically reducing the number of people out in public, the number of interactions they can have. Schools and universities act as breeding grounds for infections, large congregations amongst which respiratory infections can spread like wildfire.

SHUT DOWN EVERYTHING

Lockdown also carries great political power. People respond well to drastic action, rather than soft recommendations to slightly change their daily habit with washing hands and increased hygiene. This is why masks have been so popular amongst the populous. It is decisive, it is visible. It is however NOT recommended by the WHO and most governments to wear as it is unnecessary unless around infected patients, and increased demands is straining supply for medical professionals and those who truly need it.

Similarly, Lockdown is a decisive action. It reassures the population that something is being done, that the government is taking the IT seriously. But it is not a cure to COVID. It is a plaster, a temporary stopping measure, one that cannot continue indefinitely. Shutting businesses can seriously affect the economy, affect people’s income and subsequently prevent them from paying off mortgages or loans. Forcing children to stay at home can affect their education, parents have to choose whether to work or look after their unsupervised kids.

It’s true that lockdown is now a necessity in some countries, and the lockdown of the Hubei province and parts of China was credited with significantly slowing down the spread of COVID. But it will not stop the viral spread completely. For this reason the UK has adopted an alternate strategy, one that we will discuss in our next blog.

Dr Rajan Choudhary, London UK

Head Of Products, Second Medic Inc

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Hearing Loss Solutions for Elderly in India: Restoring Sound & Confidence

Introduction

Hearing loss is one of the most common health challenges faced by elderly people in India. According to estimates, nearly 1 in 3 Indians above the age of 60 experiences some degree of hearing difficulty. For many seniors, this leads to isolation, depression, communication barriers, and even increased risk of dementia. The good news? Modern science and technology offer multiple hearing loss solutions for elderly in India—from advanced hearing aids to cochlear implants and lifestyle support.

This blog explains the causes, solutions, diagnostic tests, and care tips for elderly hearing loss in India.

Why Hearing Loss Happens with Age

The medical term for age-related hearing loss is presbycusis. It happens gradually and affects both ears. Major reasons include:

Degeneration of inner ear cells with aging.
Long-term exposure to noise (machines, loud music, traffic).
Health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders.
Side effects of medicines (ototoxic drugs).
Ear infections or wax buildup left untreated.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss in Seniors

Asking others to repeat frequently.
Turning up TV or phone volume unusually high.
Trouble following conversations in noisy places.
Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds (like children’s voices).
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Withdrawal from social interactions.

Best Hearing Loss Solutions in India

1. Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids are smaller, digital, and rechargeable. They can be customized for mild to severe hearing loss. Some are nearly invisible, while others connect via Bluetooth to phones and TVs.

2. Cochlear Implants

For severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implants bypass damaged inner ear structures and directly stimulate hearing nerves. India has many hospitals offering affordable implant surgeries compared to Western countries.

3. Assistive Listening Devices

Simple tools like TV amplifiers, alerting systems with lights/vibrations, and mobile apps improve communication at home.

4. Speech & Hearing Rehabilitation

Speech therapy and auditory training help seniors adapt to devices and regain confidence.

5. Lifestyle & Preventive Care

Regular ear check-ups.
Managing diabetes and hypertension.
Avoiding loud noise exposure.
Balanced diet with vitamins (especially B12, folate, zinc).

Diagnostic Tests for Hearing Loss

Audiologists and ENT specialists recommend:

Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) – Standard hearing test.
Speech Audiometry – Measures speech clarity.
Tympanometry – Middle ear function.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) – Inner ear function.
BERA Test – For neural pathway issues.

At SecondMedic and Thyrocare centers, seniors can also book complete health check-ups with ENT & vitamin profiles to check if underlying conditions are contributing.

Cost of Hearing Solutions in India

Basic Hearing Aids: ?15,000 – ?40,000
Digital & Rechargeable Hearing Aids: ?50,000 – ?1,50,000
Premium Invisible Aids / Bluetooth-enabled: ?2 – ?3 lakhs
Cochlear Implant Surgery: ?6 – ?12 lakhs (may vary by hospital)

Government schemes, NGOs, and CSR initiatives sometimes subsidize devices for senior citizens.

Role of Family Support

Hearing loss is not just a medical condition—it’s a social challenge. Families can help by:

Speaking clearly, slowly, and facing the senior.
Reducing background noise during conversations.
Encouraging regular check-ups and device use.
Providing emotional support to prevent isolation.

Conclusion & CTA

Hearing loss does not have to mean silence. With the right solutions—modern hearing aids, cochlear implants, rehabilitation therapies, and preventive care—elderly Indians can enjoy active, engaged lives.

If you or your loved one is experiencing hearing problems, book a complete hearing assessment with SecondMedic today. Early diagnosis and the right solution can restore not just sound, but also confidence and connection.

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