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What is World Hearing Day?
Every year 3 March is observed as World Hearing Day. This day is celebrated every year for two reasons- to raise awareness about the prevention of deafness and hearing loss and the promotion of ear and hearing care on a global level.
Earlier known as the International Ear Care Day, it was first celebrated in 2007.
Over 5% of the world’s population is suffering from hearing loss and with each passing day, the number is increasing. There are estimations that by 2050, over 900 million people will have disabling hearing loss.*
Concerned about the growing number, the WHO at its headquarters in Geneva organizes an annual World Hearing Day event so that both the goals of the campaign can be achieved.
Every year WHO develops evidence-based advocacy materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, banners, infographics, and presentations on the selected theme. These are further shared with regional and country offices of WHO and other partners in government and society around the world. (Also Read: 10 Myths around Hearing Disorder you should never believe )
What is the theme of World Hearing Day 2020?
The theme of World Hearing Day 2020 is ‘Hearing for Life: Don’t let hearing loss limit you’. The World Health Organization has selected this theme to make people aware that effective and timely interventions can ensure people suffering from hearing loss are able to achieve their full potential.
Some of the key messages decided by the WHO for this year’s World Hearing Day are-
- Communication and good hearing health connect us to each other, our communities and the world throughout our lifetime.
- If people who have hearing loss opt for appropriate and timely measures, they will be able to facilitate their access to education, employment, and communication.
- There is a lack of access to interventions such as hearing aids on a global scale.
Some key facts related to hearing loss
“A person who is not able to hear as well as someone with normal hearing – hearing thresholds of 25 dB or better in both ears – is said to have hearing loss.”~ WHO
To explain this further, a person who is unable to hear properly has a threshold of 25dB or less. (Also Read: 10 Effective Healthy Habits to Prevent Hearing Loss )
In simpler terms, hearing loss is referred to as the inability to hear sounds, totally or partially. The symptoms of hearing loss can be- mild, moderate or severe. It can occur in any one or both the ears.
- Some of the causes of hearing loss are genetic factors, aging, chronic ear infections, use of certain drugs that are harmful for the ear, exposure to high noise, complications that might have occurred during birth, and particular infectious diseases.
- On a global scale, over one-third of the population who are above 65 years of age are affected by hearing loss. Amongst this fraction, the prevalence is highest in South Asia, Asia Pacific, and sub-Saharan Africa.
- With early identification; usage of hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other devices; the practice of captioning and sign language; and other forms of support, people with hearing loss can be benefitted.
Preventive measures suggested by WHO
Here are some basic precautionary measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of partial or total hearing loss.
- Immunization of children against diseases such as measles, meningitis, rubella, and mumps.
- Immunization of women belonging to reproductive age against rubella.
- Maintaining proper hygiene in expectant mothers.
- Screening of pregnant women and infants for any infections.
- Following healthy ear care practices regularly.
- Raising awareness about maternal and health campaigns.
- Checking for otitis media when symptoms are experienced followed by using medical or surgical interventions such as tympanoplasty.
Apart from hearing loss, other common problems relating to the ears are – ear pain, constant ringing in the ear, and fluid up. These problems can directly or indirectly affect the hearing in a person. If you face any of these problems, you can consult with the expert ENT doctors at Pristyn Care without delay.
References- * WHO – Deafness and hearing loss
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