World Hearing Day – 3rd March

World Hearing Day is observed on 3rd March to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world. Impacting educational outcomes, social integration, productivity, and happiness hearing loss takes a mighty toll.

The World Health Organization has recognized a hearing loss on a global scale is on the rise. In 2018 a total of 466 million people were affected by hearing loss. Those numbers are projected to rise with estimates showing nearly 630 million people being affected by hearing loss by 2030, and an estimated total of 900 million people by the year 2050.

History

World Hearing Day, originally referred to as “International Ear Care Day,” began as a day of recognition in 2007 by academics and healthcare advocates in Southeast Asia who recognized a lack of attentiveness to ear health in their region. By 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) deemed ear care a global healthcare issue requiring greater attention. Consequently, “World Hearing Day” was born. Before 2016 it was known as International Ear Care Day. In recent years, an increasing number of the Member States and other partner agencies have joined World Hearing Day by hosting a range of activities and events in their countries. Each year since the WHO has introduced an underlying theme to the day to drive unity around achieving the stated goal.

World Hearing Day 2023 theme was “Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality.”

Many people live with unidentified hearing loss, often failing to realize that they are missing out on certain sounds and words. The main messages are thus that people at higher risk of hearing loss such as adults above 50 years should check their hearing regularly. On the other hand side, services for early identification and intervention should be made available through the health system.

About half of hearing loss globally is preventable through public health measures. Such practices include immunization, proper care around pregnancy, avoiding loud noise, and avoiding certain medications. The World Health Organization recommends that young people limit the use of personal audio players to an hour a day in an effort to limit exposure to noise.

Facts about hearing loss you should know

360 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss and 32 million of these are children.
Hearing loss may result from genetic causes, complications at birth, certain infectious diseases, chronic ear infections, the use of particular drugs, exposure to excessive noise, and aging.
60% of childhood hearing loss is due to preventable causes.
1 billion young people (aged between 12–35 years) are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise in recreational settings.
Unaddressed hearing loss poses an annual global cost of 750 billion international dollars. Interventions to prevent, identify and address hearing loss are cost-effective and can bring great benefit to individuals.
People with hearing loss benefit from early identification; use of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices; captioning and sign language; and other forms of educational and social support.

Warning Signs

Raised volume on the TV
Missing parts of conversations
Requesting repetition
Ringing sensation in the ear
Increased frustration communicating with loved ones
Social withdrawal

Get Involved

60% of hearing loss in children can be prevented if you take the right measures. You can help raise awareness by sharing this info with others. Be proactive and get involved with World Hearing Day!

Raise awareness about the importance of hearing.
Encourage people to check their hearing regularly and practice safe listening.
Allow health workers to check the hearing status of people in their communities.