BACKGROUND
Globally over 430 million people experience disabling hearing loss, a number that could grow to nearly 700 million by 2050. When unaddressed, hearing loss poses a significant challenge for all age groups, hindering language development, communication, cognition, and limiting access to education, employment and social interactions.
The vast majority of those with disabling hearing loss live in low- and middle-income countries where policies, human resources, infrastructure and awareness required to address hearing loss are commonly lacking.
Many causes that lead to hearing loss can be prevented. The WHO estimates that 60% of hearing loss among children is due to preventable causes; and that over a billion adolescents and young adults are at risk of avoidable, irreversible hearing loss due to the common practices of listening to music at loud volumes and for prolonged time.
In those living with hearing loss timely and appropriate care, through available and effective technologies and interventions, can ensure that they have the opportunity to realize their full potential.
These facts along with supporting data and evidence have been presented in the World Report on Hearing, which was requested by the World Health Assembly in 2017.
KEY MESSAGES
- 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 life course.
- Investing in cost effective interventions will benefit people with hearing loss and bring financial gains to the society.
- Governments must act to integrate person-centred ear and hearing care within national health plans for universal health coverage.
WHO HQ GLOBAL LAUNCH PANEL
WHO invites you to join us in the launch of the World Report on Hearing on World Hearing Day.
Panel
- Welcome by Dr Gaya Manori Gamhewage, Head of Learning & Capacity Development, Health Emergencies Programme, WHO moderator
- Musical video by Ndlovu youth choir
- Hearing loss prevention through safe listening: Mr Sandile Majola, Ndlovu youth choir
- Remarks by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO
- Introduction to the report: Dr Shelly Chadha, Technical Officer, Ear and hearing care, WHO
- The potential of ear and hearing care: Ms Alana Nichols
- Implementing ear and hearing care in India: Dr Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, India
- The stigma of hearing loss: Ms Katherine Bouton
- Discussion
- Closing remarks: Dr Bente Mikkelsen, Director, Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, WHO
When: 3 March 2021
Where: Via zoom - Registration link
Time: 11h00 – 12h—CET
Livestream via WHO social media channels.
#HEARATHON2021
Take part on he #hearathon2021 on World Hearing Day 3 March 2021. Follow & like the #hearathon on Facebook.
To showcase, put a spotlight on, the activities and events being delivered around the world that are launching and promoting the World Report on Hearing, all related promotional activity will be deemed part of the WRH Hear-a-thon. The idea is that the combination of local activities and events around the world will result in a continual stream of promotional activity for the report over the 24-hour period of the World Hearing Day 2021.
Please include the hashtag #hearathon2021 | #worldhearingday | #hearingcare and make sure that any photo and video content is appropriately captioned in English.