Deafness used to be considered a threat only to children.

China celebrated the fourth National Day for Hearing Protection and Recuperation Monday.

According to a report from the All-China Disabled Persons' Federation, deafness of various degrees affects more than 20 million people in China - more than any other disability.

And the number of sufferers is expanding, said Zhao Qian, an official with the federation.

Apart from hereditary factors, the misuse of medicines, environmental pollution, accidents and diseases cause deafness in some 3,000 newborns each year.

Moreover, the stress of modern life has caused more adults to suffer from hearing loss in recent years, according to Wang Qiuju, associate professor with the Chinese People's Liberation Army Otolaryngological Institute.

She said that with few examinations or treatments for hearing loss available, many people whose hearing could be restored end up deaf forever.

Wang said people should be more careful and should not neglect sudden changes in their hearing. "That is especially the case among children aged under three," said Wang.

"Many parents regret for the rest of their lives not taking their newborns for hearing tests or for seeking immediate treatment."

Zhao said his federation has initiated a national campaign to bring home the importance of hearing examinations for young children.

Local disabled persons' federations also have funds to help the poor receive treatment.

The federation has so far established over 1,700 hearing treatment centers across the country.

(China Daily March 4, 2003)