The World Health Organization’s (WHO) has warned that nearly 2.5 million people worldwide or 1 in 4 people will be living with some degree of hearing loss by 2050, according to the first World Report on Hearing.
The Report said at least 700 million of these people will require access to ear and hearing care and other rehabilitation services unless action is taken.
The world observes World Hearing Day on March 3, every year. This year, the theme is ‘Screen, Rehabilitate, Communicate’, to address hearing loss and ear diseases across the life course.
This day is observed to highlight and spread the message that timely and effective care can help people with hearing loss to achieve full potential. This occasion is to spread awareness about action that can be taken to protect the auditory nerves and adopt preventive measures.
This day is observed to raise awareness about how to prevent deafness and hearing loss, and promote hearing care across the world and aims at promoting public health actions for ear and hearing care.
It is also to stimulate intersectoral partnership for ear and hearing care, raise awareness on hearing loss and care at national and community levels across the world and encourage behavior change towards healthy EHC practices.
As we mark this Day, policy makers must understand that the number of people living with unaddressed hearing loss and ear diseases is unacceptable, must encourage the populace that timely action is needed to prevent and address hearing loss across the life course.
They must also invest in cost effective interventions that will benefit people with hearing loss and bring financial gains to the society, and integrate person-centered ear and hearing care within national health plans for universal health coverage.
The general public must know that good hearing and communication are important at all stages of life, while hearing loss (and related ear diseases) can be avoided through preventative actions such as protection against loud sounds.
They must also know that good ear care practices and immunization while hearing loss (and related ear diseases) can be addressed when it is identified in a timely manner and appropriate care sought.
Meanwhile, those at risk of hearing loss should check their hearing regularly while people having hearing loss (or related ear diseases) should seek care from a health care provider.
Those who have hearing loss can get access to good education, employment, and communication with appropriate and timely interventions. Good ear health and communication will connect people to one another.
Story: Seth Ameyaw Danquah
