NEW DELHI: Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory deficits in humans today. According to a WHO estimate, there are about 63 million people in India suffering from significant auditory impairment.

World Hearing Day is held on 3 March each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

Each year, WHO adopts a theme and develops evidence-based advocacy materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, banners, infographics and presentations, among others. These materials are shared with partners in government and civil society to generate awareness about the health issue.

In recent years, an increasing number of stakeholders are joining the cause by amplifying the message.

This year in India, Devika Prasanth, Arav Gallate and Rizwana PA, their parents, teachers and several other children have come forward to join our endeavour to help us spread the word about seeking early screening and treatment for hearing to prevent lifelong disabilities. 

Parents groups and the media have also joined the effort and interviewed some of them to amplify the message further.

Early identification of hearing loss and ear diseases is key to its effective management and requires systematic screening particularly of those, who are most at risk like newborns, pre-school children and older population.

Hearing assessment and ear examination can be conducted in both clinical and community settings. Tools such as the “hearWHO” app (available on both App Store and Google Play) and other tech-based solutions are helpful in limited resource settings.  

 

 

Once hearing loss is identified, it is essential treat and adopt measures available to rehabilitate persons – technologies such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, the use of sign language and other means of sensory substitution to further improve access to communication.

Let’s make ear and hearing care for all a reality. Join the cause – spread the word.

Click here to learn more.