Today is World Hearing Day, an event held each year on March 3 and organized by the World Health Organization (WHO). This annual global initiative promotes ear and hearing care across the world. It also raises awareness of how to prevent hearing loss.
Each year, World Hearing Day has a different theme. This year’s theme is “Hearing Care for all,” focusing on screening, rehabilitation, and communication.
Call to Action
On World Hearing Day 2021, WHO is launching the first-ever World Report on Hearing. By issuing these recommendations, the WHO hopes to stimulate policy action for ear and hearing care in around the world. The key message to policymakers is that they must “integrate people-centered ear and hearing care within national health plans for universal health coverage.”
The report also states:
The number of people living with unaddressed hearing loss and ear diseases is unacceptable
Timely action is needed to prevent and address hearing loss across the course of life
Investing in cost effective interventions will benefit people with hearing loss and bring financial gains to society
To raise awareness, WHO is calling on each of us to take part in a 24-hour social media Hear-a-thon. This will be a continuous stream of promotional activity for World Hearing Day 2021 on Twitter and Facebook.
The key messages for sharing are as follows:
Good hearing and communication are important at all stages of life
Some types of hearing loss and related ear diseases can be avoided. Preventative actions include protection against loud sounds, good ear care practices, and immunization
Hearing loss (and related ear diseases) can be addressed when identified in a timely manner and appropriate care is sought
People at risk of hearing loss should check their hearing regularly
People having hearing loss (or related ear diseases) should seek care from a healthcare provider
“Good hearing and communication are important at all stages of life.”
Here are the hashtags to include:
#hearathon2021
#worldhearingday
#hearingcare
#safelistening
Get active with HearingLikeMe
Together we can break down barriers and stigmas around hearing loss. Look out for tweets from @HearingLikeMe throughout the day and tag us on your posts as well!
Phonak hEARo, Angie is a Marketing and PR Officer for a UK charity. She is also a freelance journalist and copywriter. Angie was diagnosed with Otosclerosis in her right ear at the age of 30. In 2011, she suffered sudden profound hearing loss in her left ear. She now uses a Phonak CROS II with a Phonak Audéo V hearing aid. You can follow Angie’s international discussion group #HearingLossHour on Twitter @hearinglosshour.
The World Health Organization holds World Hearing Day each year on March 3. This annual global initiative promotes ear and hearing care across the world.
Phonak hEARo, Angie is a Marketing and PR Officer for a UK charity. She is also a freelance journalist and copywriter. Angie was diagnosed with Otosclerosis in her right ear at the age of 30. In 2011, she suffered sudden profound hearing loss in her left ear. She now uses a Phonak CROS II with a Phonak Audéo V hearing aid. You can follow Angie’s international discussion group #HearingLossHour on Twitter @hearinglosshour.