Launched by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Hearing Day is a global call to action to comprehensively address hearing loss, one of the most common chronic medical conditions people experience. WHO estimates that 466 million people live with disabling hearing loss globally and that untreated hearing loss poses an annual cost of $750 billion.  The prevalence of hearing loss is expected to rapidly increase due to increased exposure to risk factors and changing demographics. But by implementing public health strategies and practicing safety measures, the risk of developing hearing loss can significantly decrease. 

Hearing Care for All: Screen, Rehabilitate, Communicate

This year’s theme for World Hearing Day is Screen, Rehabilitate, Communicate which emphasizes the core ways hearing loss can be effectively treated.    

• Screen: millions of people live with untreated hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, nearly 29 million people in the U.S. alone could benefit from using hearing aids. Hearing loss typically occurs gradually so it can take quite some time to realize you are experiencing impairment. Additionally, it can be difficult for people to acknowledge changes to their hearing health. A useful way to deal with this is to incorporate hearing screenings in regular health check-ins. In the same way people typically receive physical examinations yearly, hearing tests should be given the same attention. This can lead to early detection which is profoundly beneficial for treatment and improving hearing. 

• Rehabilitate: though hearing loss is a permanent medical condition, there are effective ways it can be managed, minimizing its impact on health and wellness. The most common treatment is hearing aids which are small, electronic devices that are designed to absorb, amplify, and process sound. These innovative devices provide significant hearing support, allowing people to navigate environments with greater ease and awareness. Similar to most electronic devices today, hearing aids have experienced a range of innovations. Advancements like wireless connectivity, enable people to easily integrate hearing aids into daily life while maximizing hearing ability. This offers numerous benefits including enhanced communication, improved relationships, social life, and overall wellness. 

• Communicate: one of the most significant benefits of treating hearing loss is improved communication. Communication is an essential way we understand and move through the world. Effective communication is needed to sustain healthy relationships, job performance, and to participate in daily life. Treating hearing loss alleviates the range of symptoms that present various challenges for communication. This allows people to better hear, understand, and engage in communication. Strengthened communication improves all aspects of life including physical and mental health!

Protecting Hearing Health 

World Hearing Day also focuses on raising awareness about the ways in which people can protect their hearing health. This includes integrating simple measures that can drastically reduce the risk of developing hearing loss. A few useful ways include the following: 

• Wear Protective Gear: one of the most common causes of hearing loss is environmental exposure to loud noise. One-time or consistent absorption of loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, causing hearing loss. A useful way to reduce the impact of loud noise is to wear protective gear which can include earplugs, headphones, ear muffs, etc. This type of gear serves as a protective barrier for the ears, reducing the amount and intensity of sound waves absorbed. 

• Reduce Exposure: in addition to wearing protective gear, there are other ways you can reduce your exposure to loud noise – wearing noise cancellation headphones which reduce background noise, avoiding loud environments (restaurants, bars, etc.), choosing quieter settings, avoiding passing construction sites or other noisy areas. 

• Take Listening Breaks: your ears and brain are constantly working to absorb and process sound. The auditory system benefits from periods of rest, allowing the various components of the ears and brain to replenish. A good way to do this is to take listening breaks – turning off any sources of noise and being in a quiet setting. 

• Yearly Hearing Screenings:  this tip cannot be emphasized enough! Consistently having hearing evaluated is such an important way to care for your hearing health and address any issues early, improving your quality of life!

If you are ready to benefit from hearing health services, contact us today! We are here to support you on your journey to better hearing!