Observance of World Hearing Day on March 3: Promoting Ear and Hearing Care for All

 On March 3, Celebrate World Hearing Day by Checking Your Hearing!

Every March 3rd, the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates World Hearing Day as a way to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and to promote ear and hearing care across the globe. WHO chooses a theme each year and in 2019, the theme is Check Your Hearing in hopes to draw attention to the importance of early identification and intervention of hearing loss. So many people around the world are living with untreated hearing loss and checking one’s hearing is the first step towards addressing this health issue.

Global Hearing Loss Facts and Figures

It is estimated that 466 million people globally face some form of hearing loss. 93% of those are adults and 7% are children. Approximately one-third of people over 65 years old after affected by hearing loss. If these numbers are not astonishing enough, WHO estimates that 1.1 billion young people between the ages of 12 and 35 are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe levels of noise exposure. WHO projects that by 2050 over 900 million will have disabling hearing loss if no action is taken to mitigate the problem.

Early Detection and Intervention of Hearing Loss

Research shows that from the time someone identifies their hearing loss to the moment they seek treatment is an average of seven years. Imagine experiencing any other health issue and waiting that long to seek treatment; the chances of heightened risks for further health decline would be so high. That is why early detection and intervention are crucial in mitigating the impacts of hearing loss.

Early identification of hearing loss in children greatly improves a child’s linguistic, developmental, and educational outcomes. In adults, it decreases the chances for other health and safety issues like falls, social isolation, depression, and even dementia and improves relationships, earning power, and overall health.

Join the World Health Organization this March 3rd on World Hearing Day and get your hearing checked! Be on the right path to addressing your hearing health in 2019.

World Hearing Day aims to:

Promote public awareness about the causes and impact of hearing loss.

Encourage preventive actions such as avoiding loud noise exposure, using protective equipment, and maintaining ear hygiene.

Advocate for early screening and timely medical intervention.

Support policies that improve access to hearing aids, cochlear implants, and professional audiological care.

Key Activities on World Hearing Day

Organizations, healthcare institutions, and governments worldwide observe the day through various initiatives, including:

Health camps and free hearing screenings to detect hearing problems early.

Educational programs and workshops on safe listening practices.

Awareness campaigns through social media, seminars, and public events.

Policy discussions to promote inclusive healthcare systems for people with hearing loss.

Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise (e.g., music concerts, industrial noise).

Use ear protection (earplugs or noise-canceling headphones) in noisy environments.

Seek medical help promptly if experiencing hearing difficulties or infections.

Conclusion

World Hearing Day is a crucial platform for advocating ear and hearing care for all. By spreading awareness, encouraging early detection, and improving access to hearing healthcare services, we can help millions lead better, more connected lives. Governments, healthcare professionals, and individuals must work together to break barriers and ensure that "hearing care for all" becomes a reality.

Let’s take a step toward a world where no one is left unheard!