World Hearing Day: Changing Your Mindset on Hearing Loss
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of the International Hearing Society (IHS) are gearing up to celebrate World Hearing Day on March 3, 2025, to raise awareness of hearing healthcare and address the stigma attached to hearing loss and wearing hearing aids. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) by 2030, over 500 million people are expected to have disabling hearing loss requiring rehabilitation. In addition, over one billion young people are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise in recreational settings and through personal audio devices.1 With more age groups being impacted by hearing loss, IHS, in partnership with WHO, encourages individuals of all ages to take charge of their hearing health and inspire others to do the same.
IHS President Michael Andreozzi, BS, BC-HIS, encourages individuals to address their hearing health, "Take the steps necessary to discover your hearing baseline with a visit to a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist to empower yourself and make hearing care a reality for all. World Hearing Day provides a tremendous opportunity for all hearing healthcare professionals to make a difference, change mindsets, and help the public."
World Health Organization Global Key Facts2
- By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss, and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.
- Over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.
- An annual additional investment of less than US$ 1.40 per person is needed to scale up ear and hearing care services globally.
- Over a 10-year period, the above investment promises a return of nearly US$ 16 for every US dollar invested.
- Over 5% of the world's population – or 430 million people – require rehabilitation to address their disabling hearing loss (including 34 million children).
- It is estimated that by 2050 over 700 million people – or 1 in every 10 people – will have disabling hearing loss.
IHS Executive Director Alissa Parady, CAE, said, "IHS is a proud partner of WHO's World Hearing Day as IHS members are on the forefront of helping people protect and enhance their hearing. These licensed Hearing Aid Specialists provide optimal hearing care in their communities and for their service, I applaud our members' profession and the important, yet often unrecognized, work they accomplish in their communities. Learn more about this hidden yet esteemed profession on the IHS website." There is no better time than today to begin your journey to help stop the spread of hearing loss. Check out WHO's recommendations to begin protecting and/or addressing your hearing health3:
- Keep volume levels below 60% of maximum and use earplugs in loud environments.
- Request a hearing test for newborns and school-age children, as well as anyone above the age of 50.
- Check your hearing using the WHO hearWHO app annually and visit a professional if your score is below 50. If you need help finding a professional in your area, IHS recommends you visit the Find a Provider page on the IHS website to connect you with a Hearing Aid Specialist in your area.
- Use assistive technology like hearing aids or other devices (if advised), in addition to captioning tools to help make information more accessible.
- Stay informed and educate yourself on good hearing healthcare practices. Don't keep this information to yourself; spread awareness in your community.
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About the International Hearing Society: The International Hearing Society (IHS) is a membership association that represents hearing healthcare professionals worldwide, including hearing aid specialists. IHS members are engaged in the practice of performing hearing assessments, selecting, fitting, and dispensing hearing instruments, counseling patients, and providing aftercare services. Founded in 1951, IHS protects, represents, and promotes the interests of hearing healthcare and hearing healthcare professionals. For more information visit www.ihsinfo.org.
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SOURCE International Hearing Society