World Hearing Day 2024: Objective, theme, history and significance

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 04-03-2024

World Hearing Day 2024: Objective, theme, history and significance

Important Day 4 min read

World Hearing Day is commemorated annually on March 3rd. It is a global health care programme. It is celebrated every year since 2007 from the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva.

Objective of World Hearing Day:

The purpose of this day is to bring together patients suffering from hearing loss. The aim is to promote ear and hearing care by creating a community. It discusses its epidemiological profile, status, awareness about its diagnosis and treatment.

Hearing loss sufferers globally:

More than 5% of the global population (about 43 crore) requires rehabilitation to treat 'disabling' hearing loss. It is estimated that by 2050, more than 700 million people, or one in every ten, will suffer from debilitating hearing loss.
Hearing loss that is 'disabling' is defined as a hearing loss of more than 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear.
Approximately 80% of individuals suffering from hearing loss live in low- and middle-income countries.

Theme of World Hearing Day 2024:

The theme of ‘World Hearing Day’ this year 2024 is “Changing Mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all”. It aims to emphasize the importance of eliminating misconceptions about hearing loss among the public and primary health care providers.
It is based on scientific research to combat hearing loss and various policies to curb noise pollution. It also encourages cooperation between different medical societies striving for sound regulation.

History of World Hearing Day:

It has been sponsored by WHO's Office for the Prevention of Blindness and Deafness since 2007.
The goal of World Hearing Day is to spread information about hearing loss prevention and encourage better hearing care.
Earlier, this day was recognized as ‘International Ear Care Day’. After 2016, WHO renamed it as World Hearing Day. Each year, WHO chooses a theme and creates educational resources around it. These resources are available in various languages.
It also reports and organizes events around the world.

Importance of World Hearing Day:

The day plays an important role in raising global awareness about hearing health and prevention of deafness and hearing loss.
Use this day to promote awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. As well as an opportunity to encourage access to ear and hearing care services and hearing screenings.
It draws attention to the impact of hearing loss on people's quality of life and the need for inclusive health policies.
It aims to raise awareness about the importance of hearing health and prevention of deafness.