World Hearing Day is observed on March 3 annually to raise awareness among the populace about the need to avoid deafness and hearing impairment and promote ear and hearing care across the globe. This health event is a campaign organised by the Office of Prevention of Blindness and Deafness of the World Health Organization (WHO), which was first observed in 2007 and before 2016 it was known as International Ear Care Day.

According to the WHO’s World Report on Hearing, globally around a 2.5million people (1 in 4 individuals) would develop a hearing issue. Further, more than half of them would need hearing assistance, as well as other rehabilitative treatments over the next decade if not addressed. On this day WHO seeks to establish the importance of prompt detection and proper treatment mode for hearing loss. Most people have undiagnosed hearing issues and are totally ignorant that they are missing out on vital sounds and phrases. Thus, the crucial step in handling the issue is to review one’s hearing.

Theme:
World Hearing Day 2024 theme is "Changing Mindsets: Let's Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All!" 

This theme centred on overcoming the barriers caused by cultural misconceptions and stigmatising attitudes towards hearing loss. The purpose was to increase awareness and exchange information regarding ear and hearing care, with a special focus on the following:

• Countering widespread misconceptions and stigmatising attitudes towards hearing disorders in communities and among healthcare providers.
• Providing truthful and evidence-based information to change the public's perception of hearing loss.
• Calling on governments and public society to overcome misconceptions and stigmatising attitudes about hearing loss as a critical step towards achieving equitable access to ear and hearing care.

Significance

People would be socially connected if they have better ear health and improve their communication. While a person who is deaf or hard of hearing may benefit from prompt and appropriate treatments in the fields of learning, jobs, and interaction.

Also Read: Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Read this article to know about simple ways to avert hearing loss.

5 Simple Strategies To Prevent Hearing Loss

Avoid Loud Noise

It is recommended that a person should try and avoid any mode of sounds above 85 decibels. Constant exposure to loud noise or in one abrupt impulse is the main cause of sensorineural hearing loss. If a person's job demands a high level of noise, then experts suggest wearing ear protection gadgets and distancing themselves as far as possible from the source.

Avoid Sharp Objects

One of the effective ways to enhance hearing and avert hearing loss is to avoid putting objects in the ear, particularly pointed or sharp ones. Even cotton bud is not safe as it can damage the ear canal or rupture the fragile eardrum.

Get Regular Exercise

We all know that exercise has tremendous incentives for overall health, but people hardly realise that exercise can also have positive impact on hearing. Surprisingly it is one of the best ways to improve hearing and ear health. Exercise improves the blood flow to the ears and supports to maintain the health of inner ear hair cells, which once damaged cannot be repaired or regenerated.

Simple workouts like walking, gardening or gentle yoga may help. Most importantly don't use headphones to listen to music while performing the exercise as they can possibly cause further damage to the hair cells.

Quit Smoking

Several studies reveal that smoking have a negative impact on hearing and increases the risk of hearing loss. Thus, on this world hearing day make a sincere effort to quit smoking for better health.

Wear Hearing Aids

For a person with hearing loss, it is essential to use hearing aids as advised by the specialist. Avoiding them would worsen damage to the ears. Also, go for regular check-ups to make alterations to hearing aids.