World Hearing Day was on March 3, 2020 and is specifically set aside to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss, and to promote healthy hearing and hearing care across the world.
Each year the World Health Organization (WHO) decides on a theme and produces advocacy materials such as brochures, pamphlets, banners, infographics and presentations. This year the theme is “Hearing care for all.”This theme presentsa global call to action for addressing hearing loss and ear diseases across the life course, for all.
The theme highlights the importance of taking measures for good hearing care such as:
- Avoiding sounds that may lead to hearing loss
- Being aware of proper ear care practices and taking steps to ensure ears are immunized
- Consulting a doctor and/or a Hearing Care Professional to monitor the health of your ear
- Booking a comprehensive hearing test
Good hearing and communication are important through all stages of life
Statistics Canada reports that 21% of adults have mild hearing losswhereas 7% of adultsexperience “moderate or worse” hearing loss. And hearing loss is generally prevalent over age 50. Hearing loss can be avoided through preventative actions like protecting your ears from loud sounds, practicing healthy ear care and keeping up with immunizations.
Those at risk of hearing loss should have their hearing checked regularly because hearing loss can be addressed easily when it is identified in a timely manner.
To learn more about hearing health and World Hearing Day, visit World Health Organization.
