World Hearing Day 2024

Discover the wonders of sound on World Hearing Day! Dive into 5 fascinating facts that will change the way you listen. Tune in now!

QUICK FACTS

• Date: 3rd March
• Main Components: World Report on Hearing, World Health Assembly resolution on hearing loss, advocacy materials and resources, events and activities
• Popularity: Global campaign with participation from WHO, Member States, partner agencies, civil society and individuals
• Pairings: Integrated people-centred ear and hearing care, universal health coverage, sustainable development goals
• Variations: Different themes and messages each year, depending on the current needs and priorities of hearing care

Introduction

• What is World Hearing Day (WHD)?

World Hearing Day (WHD) is an annual global advocacy event for raising awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world. It is held on 3 March each year, coinciding with the birthday of Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone and a pioneer of hearing research.

• What is the theme for 2023?

The theme for WHD 2023 is “Hearing Care for All”, which encompasses the vision of integrated people-centred ear and hearing care (IPC-EHC) within the framework of universal health coverage. The theme highlights the need for timely and effective interventions to ensure that people with hearing loss are able to achieve their full potential and contribute to the social and economic development of their communities and countries.

• What are the objectives and messages of the campaign?

The objectives of the campaign are to:

• Raise awareness of the global burden and impact of hearing loss and ear diseases
• Advocate for the implementation of the World Report on Hearing and the World Health Assembly resolution on hearing loss
• Mobilize resources and partnerships for ear and hearing care at all levels
• Empower and engage people with hearing loss and their families and caregivers

The key messages of the campaign are:

• 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
• Countries must integrate people-centred ear and hearing care within national health plans for universal health coverage
• How to participate and support the campaign?

There are many ways to participate and support the campaign, such as:

• Organizing or joining an event or activity for WHD 2023 in your local area or online
• Using and sharing the advocacy materials and resources provided by WHO and its partners
• Spreading the word and raising awareness through social media, media outlets, and personal networks
• Donating or fundraising for ear and hearing care initiatives and organizations
• Seeking or providing ear and hearing care services and products for yourself or others
• Learning more about hearing loss and ear diseases and how to prevent and manage them

Related: Martyrs’ Day In Malawi 2023

Background

• What is the global burden and impact of hearing loss and ear diseases?

According to the World Report on Hearing, more than 1.5 billion people (about 20% of the world’s population) have some degree of hearing loss, of whom 430 million (about 6%) require rehabilitation services. The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, affecting nearly one third of people aged 65 years and older. Hearing loss is also more common among men than women, and among people living in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

Hearing loss and ear diseases have significant consequences for the individuals affected and their families and communities. They can impair communication, education, employment, social participation, and mental health. They can also increase the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, depression, and isolation. Moreover, they can pose a financial burden for the individuals, the health systems, and the society at large. The World Report on Hearing estimates that the annual global cost of unaddressed hearing loss is US$ 980 billion.

• What are the causes and risk factors of hearing loss and ear diseases?

Hearing loss and ear diseases can have various causes and risk factors, depending on the type, degree, and onset of the condition. Some of the common causes and risk factors are:

• Genetic factors: Some people are born with hearing loss or inherit a predisposition to develop it later in life. Genetic factors can also cause syndromic hearing loss, which is associated with other health problems, such as Down syndrome, Usher syndrome, and Waardenburg syndrome.
• Congenital factors: Some babies are born with hearing loss or acquire it soon after birth due to complications during pregnancy or delivery, such as maternal infections, prematurity, low birth weight, jaundice, or lack of oxygen.
• Ear infections: Ear infections, such as otitis media, can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, especially if left untreated or recurrent. Ear infections are more common and severe among children, particularly in low-resource settings where access to health care and hygiene is limited.
• Noise exposure: Exposure to loud sounds, either from occupational, recreational, or environmental sources, can damage the inner ear and cause noise-induced hearing loss. Noise exposure can also cause tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears.
• Ageing: Ageing is a natural process that affects the functioning of the inner ear and the auditory nerve, leading to age-related hearing loss or presbycusis. Ageing can also exacerbate the effects of other causes and risk factors of hearing loss.
• Ototoxicity: Ototoxicity is the harmful effect of certain drugs and chemicals on the inner ear and the auditory nerve, which can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Some of the common ototoxic substances are aminoglycoside antibiotics, anti-malarials, anti-cancer drugs, loop diuretics, and some painkillers.
• Trauma: Trauma to the ear or the head can cause hearing loss due to injury to the outer, middle, or inner ear, or the auditory nerve. Trauma can result from accidents, violence, explosions, or ear surgery.
• Other health conditions: Some health conditions can affect the ear and the hearing, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, meningitis, mumps, measles, rubella, HIV, and tuberculosis.
• What are the benefits and challenges of hearing care for all?

Hearing care for all refers to the provision of ear and hearing care services and products to all people who need them, regardless of their age, gender, location, or socioeconomic status. Hearing care for all can bring many benefits to the individuals, the health systems, and the society, such as:

• Improved communication, education, employment, and social participation for people with hearing loss and their families
• Enhanced mental health and well-being for people with hearing loss and their caregivers
• Reduced morbidity and mortality from ear diseases and their complications
• Increased awareness and prevention of hearing loss and ear diseases among the general population and the at-risk groups
• Strengthened health systems and health workforce capacity to deliver ear and hearing care services
• Increased economic productivity and reduced poverty and inequality for people with hearing loss and their communities

However, hearing care for all also faces many challenges, such as:

• Lack of data and evidence on the epidemiology, impact, and cost-effectiveness of hearing loss and ear diseases and their interventions
• Lack of awareness and political commitment to prioritize hearing care within the national health plans and budgets
• Lack of human and financial resources and infrastructure to provide ear and hearing care services, especially in low- and middle-income countries
• Lack of access and affordability of ear and hearing care services and products, especially for the marginalized and vulnerable groups
• Lack of quality and safety standards and regulations for ear and hearing care services and products
• Lack of integration and coordination of ear and hearing care services across the different levels and sectors of the health system
• Lack of participation and empowerment of people with hearing loss and their families and caregivers in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of ear and hearing care services
• What are the current gaps and opportunities in hearing care services and policies?

The current gaps and opportunities in hearing care services and policies vary depending on the context and the needs of each country and region. However, some of the common gaps and opportunities are:

• Gap: There is a lack of reliable and comparable data on the prevalence, causes, and impact of hearing loss and ear diseases and their interventions at the global, regional, and national levels
• Opportunity: There is a need to conduct and support epidemiological studies and surveys on hearing loss and ear diseases and to establish and strengthen national and global databases and registries
• Gap: There is a lack of awareness and understanding of hearing loss and ear diseases and their prevention and management among the general public, the policy-makers, the health professionals, and the media
• Opportunity: There is a need to develop and implement awareness-raising campaigns and educational programs on hearing loss and ear diseases and to engage and collaborate with the media, the civil society, and the private sector
• Gap: There is a lack of political commitment and investment to prioritize hearing care within the national health plans and budgets and to allocate adequate human and financial resources and infrastructure for ear and hearing care services
• Opportunity: There is a need to advocate and lobby for the inclusion of hearing care in the national health policies and strategies and to mobilize and leverage domestic and international resources and partnerships for ear and hearing care
• Gap: There is a lack of access and affordability of ear and hearing care services and products, especially for the marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as the poor, the rural, the elderly, the women, and the children.
• Opportunity: There is a need to reduce the cost and improve the availability and quality of ear and hearing care products, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive devices, and to ensure their proper fitting and follow-up
• Gap: There is a lack of quality and safety standards and regulations for ear and hearing care services and products, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where substandard and counterfeit products are prevalent
• Opportunity: There is a need to develop and implement national and international guidelines and norms for ear and hearing care services and products and to monitor and enforce their compliance and quality control
• Gap: There is a lack of integration and coordination of ear and hearing care services across the different levels and sectors of the health system, resulting in fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiency
• Opportunity: There is a need to establish and strengthen referral and linkage mechanisms between the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of ear and hearing care services and to foster intersectoral collaboration and coordination among the health, education, social, and labor sectors
• Gap: There is a lack of participation and empowerment of people with hearing loss and their families and caregivers in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of ear and hearing care services, leading to low demand, satisfaction, and adherence
• Opportunity: There is a need to involve and engage people with hearing loss and their families and caregivers as active partners and stakeholders in ear and hearing care and to respect and protect their rights and dignity
• Advocacy Materials and Resources
• What are the available materials and resources for WHD 2023?
• The WHO and its partners have developed and provided various materials and resources for WHD 2023, such as:
• The WRH and its summary, infographics, and web graphics in different languages and formats
• The WHA resolution on hearing loss and its summary and infographics
• The WHD 2023 logo, cover photo, banners, posters, flyers, and brochures
• The WHD 2023 press release templates and social media posts
• The WHD 2023 event toolkit and handbook
• The WHD 2023 mHealth safe listening program (mSafeListening) and app (hearWHO)
• The primary ear and Hearing Care Training Manual for Health Workers and general practitioners
• The report for basic ear and hearing care (REBEC) and the primary ear and hearing care manual (PEHC)
• How to use the materials and resources effectively and appropriately?
• The materials and resources can be used effectively and appropriately by:
• Adapting and customizing them to your local context and needs, while maintaining the accuracy and consistency of the information and the messages
• Using them for awareness-raising, education, advocacy, and mobilization purposes, such as organizing or joining an event or activity, issuing or sharing a press release or a social media post, or providing or seeking ear and hearing care services and products
• Citing and acknowledging the sources and authors of the materials and resources, and respecting their intellectual property rights and licenses
• Providing feedback and suggestions to the WHO and its partners on the materials and resources and their use and impact
• How to share and disseminate the materials and resources widely and creatively?
• The materials and resources can be shared and disseminated widely and creatively by:
• Using various platforms and channels, such as websites, social media, email, print media, radio, television, and word of mouth
• Using various formats and languages, such as text, audio, video, image, and sign language
• Using various strategies and techniques, such as storytelling, testimonials, case studies, interviews, quizzes, games, and contests
• Using various audiences and networks, such as policy-makers, health professionals, researchers, civil society, media, people with hearing loss and their families and caregivers, and the general public

Related: Sportsmen’s Day In Egypt 2023

Events and Activities

• What are the planned events and activities for WHD 2023?
• The WHO and its partners have planned various events and activities for WHD 2023, such as:
• The launch of the WRH and the WHA resolution on hearing loss at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and at the regional and country offices
• The organization of the global edit-a-thon for the Wiki4WorldHearingDay2023 project, which aims to improve the Wikipedia articles on hearing loss and ear diseases and their prevention and management
• The organization of the global meet-up for the hearing care community, which aims to connect and network the people and organizations involved and interested in ear and hearing care
• The organization of the global webinar series on hearing care for all, which aims to share the latest evidence and best practices on ear and hearing care and to discuss the challenges and opportunities for its implementation
• The organization of the global advocacy event for the hearing care for all campaign, which aims to raise awareness and mobilize resources and partnerships for ear and hearing care at all levels
• How to organize and host an event or activity for WHD 2023?
• You can organize and host an event or activity for WHD 2023 by:
• Choosing a suitable type, format, and theme for your event or activity, such as a seminar, workshop, screening, exhibition, concert, walk, or rally
• Choosing a suitable date, time, and venue for your event or activity, taking into account the availability, accessibility, and safety of the participants and the event staff
• Choosing a suitable target audience and speakers for your event or activity, such as policy-makers, health professionals, researchers, civil society, media, people with hearing loss and their families and caregivers, and the general public
• Planning and preparing the logistics, materials, and resources for your event or activity, such as the agenda, invitations, registration, equipment, catering, transportation, and accommodation
• Promoting and publicizing your event or activity, using the materials and resources provided by the WHO and its partners, and using various platforms and channels, such as websites, social media, email, print media, radio, television, and word of mouth
• Implementing and facilitating your event or activity, ensuring the quality and safety of the services and products, and ensuring the participation and engagement of the participants and the speakers
• Evaluating and reporting your event or activity, collecting and analyzing the data and feedback, and sharing the results and outcomes with the WHO and its partners
• How to register and report an event or activity for WHD 2023?
• You can register and report an event or activity for WHD 2023 by:
• Visiting the WHO website and filling out the online registration form for your event or activity, providing the details and information about your event or activity, such as the type, format, theme, date, time, venue, target audience, speakers, partners, and expected outcomes
• Submitting the registration form to the WHO at least two weeks before your event or activity, and receiving a confirmation and a registration number from the WHO
• Visiting the WHO website and filling out the online reporting form for your event or activity, providing the data and feedback about your event or activity, such as the number and profile of the participants and the speakers, the satisfaction and evaluation ratings, the challenges and lessons learned, and the recommendations and suggestions
• Submitting the reporting form to the WHO within two weeks after your event or activity, and receiving a thank you note and a certificate of participation from the WHO
• How to join and follow the events and activities online and offline?
• You can join and follow the events and activities online and offline by:
• Visiting the WHO website and browsing the list and map of the registered events and activities for WHD 2023, and selecting the ones that interest you and suit your availability and location
• Contacting the organizers of the events and activities that you want to join, and registering or confirming your attendance and participation.
• Attending and participating in the events and activities that you have registered or confirmed, and following the instructions and guidelines of the organizers and the speakers
• Engaging and interacting with the other participants and the speakers, and sharing your views and experiences on hearing care for all
• Following the live updates and highlights of the events and activities on the WHO website and social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, using the hashtags #WorldHearingDay and #HearingCareForAll
• Watching and listening to the recordings and podcasts of the events and activities on the WHO website and YouTube channel, and leaving your comments and feedback
• Signing up for the WHO newsletter and email alerts, and receiving the latest news and information on the events and activities and their outcomes and impact

WORLD HEARING DAY WISHES, QUOTES, AND MESSAGES

TOP 20 WORLD HEARING DAY WISHES AND GREETINGS

Here are 20 unique World Hearing Day wishes and greetings:

TOP 20 WORLD HEARING DAY QUOTES

Here are 20 unique World Hearing Day quotes:

1. “Embrace the symphony of life, for on World Hearing Day, we celebrate the precious gift of sound that adds melody to our existence.”
2. “In the world of silence, every sound is a treasure. Happy World Hearing Day!”
3. “On this day, let’s raise our voices to raise awareness. Happy World Hearing Day!”
4. “Hearing is not just a sense; it’s a gateway to the soul’s connection with the world. Celebrate the magic of sound on World Hearing Day.”
5. “Life’s soundtrack is made up of the moments we hear. Cherish each note. Happy World Hearing Day!”
6. “The language of the heart is spoken through the ears. Happy World Hearing Day!”
7. “In the symphony of life, every person plays a unique note. Celebrate diversity on World Hearing Day.”
8. “Let the echoes of kindness and understanding reverberate in our ears on this World Hearing Day.”
9. “On World Hearing Day, let’s listen not just with our ears but with our hearts to understand the silent struggles of those around us.”
10. “The world is a richer place when we can share its sounds with one another. Happy World Hearing Day!”
11. “Celebrate the beauty of communication through sound. Happy World Hearing Day!”
12. “In the quiet moments, we find the most profound wisdom. Happy World Hearing Day!”
13. “The power of hearing is the power to connect. Let’s celebrate the bonds created through sound on World Hearing Day.”
14. “On this day, let’s listen with intention, hear with empathy, and speak with kindness. Happy World Hearing Day!”
15. “The symphony of life is composed of the sounds of laughter, love, and understanding. Happy World Hearing Day!”
16. “Celebrate the joy of hearing, for it is the bridge between hearts and minds. Happy World Hearing Day!”
17. “Let the beauty of sound remind us of the importance of empathy and compassion. Happy World Hearing Day!”
18. “In a world full of noise, find the music that soothes your soul. Happy World Hearing Day!”
19. “On this special day, let’s appreciate the richness sound brings to our lives. Happy World Hearing Day!”
20. “May the echoes of positivity and kindness fill the air on World Hearing Day and resonate throughout the year.”

TOP 20 WORLD HEARING DAY MESSAGES/SMS

Here are 20 unique World Hearing Day messages:

1. “Happy World Hearing Day! Let’s amplify awareness and spread the importance of sound health. Your hearing matters!”
2. “Wishing you a day filled with the joy of hearing and appreciating the beautiful world of sound. Happy World Hearing Day!”
3. “Celebrate the gift of hearing today and every day. Your ears connect you to the symphony of life. Happy World Hearing Day!”
4. “On this special occasion, let’s make a noise about hearing health. Happy World Hearing Day!”
5. “May the sounds of laughter and love be your constant companions. Happy World Hearing Day!”
6. “Happy World Hearing Day! Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of sound and the blessing of clear communication.”
7. “Cheers to the amazing gift of hearing! May your ears be filled with the sweet melodies of life on World Hearing Day.”
8. “On this World Hearing Day, let’s listen, learn, and love the precious sense that connects us to the world around us.”
9. “Wishing you a day filled with the symphony of good health and happiness. Happy World Hearing Day!”
10. “Celebrate the wonders of hearing, the gateway to understanding and connection. Happy World Hearing Day!”
11. “May your ears be tuned to the positive frequencies of life. Happy World Hearing Day!”
12. “Happy World Hearing Day! Let’s raise awareness about the importance of hearing and work towards a world where everyone can enjoy the beauty of sound.”
13. “Take a moment to appreciate the sounds that color your world. Happy World Hearing Day!”
14. “Wishing you a day filled with the sweet notes of joy and the harmonies of good health. Happy World Hearing Day!”
15. “Happy World Hearing Day! Your ears are the guardians of precious moments and beautiful experiences.”
16. “On this special day, let’s lend our ears to those in need and spread awareness about the significance of hearing health. Happy World Hearing Day!”
17. “May the sounds of happiness, laughter, and kindness surround you on World Hearing Day and always.”
18. “Celebrate the gift of hearing, for it opens the door to a world full of amazing experiences. Happy World Hearing Day!”
19. “Happy World Hearing Day! Take a moment to be grateful for the ability to enjoy the symphony of life.”
20. “On this day, let’s acknowledge the importance of hearing and work towards a world where everyone has access to the beautiful world of sound. Happy World Hearing Day!”

Conclusion

• What are the main takeaways and calls to action from WHD 2023?

The main takeaways and calls to action from WHD 2023 are:

• Hearing loss and ear diseases are a significant public health issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds and has profound consequences for the individuals, the health systems, and the society
• Hearing loss and ear diseases are largely preventable and treatable, and their prevention and management can bring substantial benefits to the individuals and the society
• Hearing care for all is the vision and the goal of integrated people-centred ear and hearing care within the context of universal health coverage and the sustainable development goals
• Hearing care for all requires the political commitment and investment of the Member States and the WHO, and the collaboration and partnership of the partner agencies, civil society, and people with hearing loss and their families and caregivers
• Hearing care for all is possible and achievable, if we act now and act together
• How to stay informed and engaged with the campaign and the hearing care community?

You can stay informed and engaged with the campaign and the hearing care community by:

• Visiting the WHO website and accessing and using the WRH and its resources and the WHA resolution on hearing loss and its resources
• Visiting the WHO website and browsing and joining the events and activities for WHD 2023 and the hearing care for all campaign
• Following the WHO and its partners on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and using and sharing the hashtags #WorldHearingDay and #HearingCareForAll
• Subscribing to the WHO newsletter and email alerts, and receiving the latest news and information on the campaign and the hearing care community
• Contacting the WHO and its partners and providing your feedback and suggestions on the campaign and the hearing care community
• Joining or forming a local or online group or network of people and organizations involved and interested in ear and hearing care
• Seeking or providing ear and hearing care services and products for yourself or others, and sharing your stories and testimonials
• How to celebrate and appreciate the hearing care for all?

You can celebrate and appreciate the hearing care for all by:

• Expressing your gratitude and appreciation to the WHO and its partners for their leadership and guidance on hearing care for all
• Expressing your gratitude and appreciation to the policy-makers, health professionals, researchers, civil society, media, and people with hearing loss and their families and caregivers for their contribution and participation in hearing care for all
• Expressing your gratitude and appreciation to yourself and others for your awareness and action on hearing care for all
• Celebrating and enjoying the sounds and the silence of life, and listening and communicating with your loved ones and others
• Celebrating and enjoying the achievements and the progress of hearing care for all, and looking forward to the future and the possibilities of hearing care for all