World Hearing Day 2017 observed globally

3 March: World Hearing Day

The World Hearing Day 2017 was observed globally on 3 March 2017 with the theme 'Action for hearing loss: make a sound investment'.

This year's theme draws attention to the economic impact of hearing loss. Hearing loss poses a high cost for the economy globally and has a significant impact on the lives of those affected. World Hearing Day 2017 highlights actions which can be undertaken by decision-makers to address hearing loss.

Hearing loss and its consequences can be mitigated through prevention, screening for early identification, rehabilitation through hearing devices, captioning and sign language education.

Half of all hearing loss can be avoided through prevention. Primary health care interventions including immunizing children against diseases such as measles, meningitis, rubella and immunizing adolescent girls of reproductive age against rubella will greatly reduce risk of congenital hearing loss among babies.

Identifying hearing loss through screening of newborns, school children and adults above 50 years at an early stage and then carrying out their treatment at the beginning stage itself comes out to be little cost effective.

About World Hearing Day
World Hearing Day was designated at the First International Conference on Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hearing Impairment in Beijing, China in 2007.

The day aims to raise awareness and promote ear and hearing care across the world.