World Hearing Day - Ear and Hearing Care for All!

Over 1.5 billion people live with hearing loss, but there's still much misinformation about hearing loss prevention, hearing tests, and more. That's why days like March 3, the World Health Organization's World Hearing Day, are so important.

Whether you want to contribute for one day or the entire month of March, you can help raise awareness about hearing loss and make a real difference in people's lives. In recognition of this year's theme, "Ear and hearing care for all!" we've compiled a list of ways you can promote good hearing health in your community.

Raise Awareness in Your Community

Despite being so common, hearing loss can be very isolating. This is especially true when the individual is untreated. Raising awareness about hearing loss can encourage people to seek help, which can then transform their quality of life. Not sure where to get started? Here are a few things you can do to raise awareness about hearing loss in your community.

Learn More About Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Young people in your community could be seriously damaging their hearing and completely unaware of it. Once you've learned about the causes and signs of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), you can begin informing others around you. Here are a few key facts you share:

• NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to a loud sound or listening to loud sounds over an extended period.
• Almost 50% of young people engage in unsafe listening practices (high volume on devices, attending loud events).
• Damage to the inner ear is permanent, meaning NIHL cannot be reversed.
• You can prevent NIHL by listening to music at a reasonable volume and using ear protection at loud events.

Share Resources for People With Hearing Loss

Many great resources exist for people with hearing loss and their families. Here are some educational resources that you and anyone else you know may benefit from:

• Deaf Children Australia - Established in 1862, DCA offers various services, support, and resources for deaf/hard-of-hearing children and their families.
• Read Our Lips - Funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), this online course can help those with hearing loss improve their lipreading ability.
• Ava - This live captioning app can make workplaces and schools more accessible for people that are deaf and hard of hearing.
• About ear health - This page on the Australian Government's website offers a ton of information about hearing loss in one place.

Encourage Loved Ones to Prioritise Hearing Health

Use World Hearing Day to initiate conversations with loved ones about hearing health. This could mean informing a younger sibling about NIHL or gently suggesting to a friend or family member that they visit an audiologist. 

If you have hearing loss, sharing your experience with friends and family can positively impact them. By openly talking about your audiologist appointments or what it's like wearing hearing aids, for example, you can encourage others to make their hearing health a priority.

Lead by Example - Book a Hearing Test!

Inspire confidence in others by booking a hearing test with a Connect Hearing audiologist. Our audiologists can offer essential insights into your hearing health and fit you with hearing aids if necessary. Once you've undergone a hearing test, you can reassure loved ones and become a more informed advocate for hearing health!