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World Hearing Day takes place in March, and reminds us that our hearing health is crucial to a happier life
According to the WHO, there are about 466 million people worldwide who have disabling hearing loss, and this number is expected to rise to over 900 million by 2050.
Hearing loss can have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals and their families, as well as on the social and economic development of communities and countries. Hearing loss can also affect communication, education, employment, health, and well-being.
As a result of this huge impact, the WHO hold World Hearing Day in March each year. Its aim is to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss, and to promote ear and hearing care across the world.
The focus for World Hearing Day 2024 is on overcoming the challenges posed by societal mis-perceptions and stigmatizing mindsets, through awareness-raising and information-sharing, targeted at the public and health care providers.
“Hearing loss has often been referred to as an ‘invisible disability’, not just because of the lack of visible symptoms, but because it has long been stigmatized in communities and ignored by policy-makers,” says WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
However, hearing loss can be prevented, treated, or managed in most cases, and ear and hearing care can bring many benefits to individuals and society. Some of the benefits of good hearing health include:
- improving cognitive functioning and preventing or delaying the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that hearing loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia, as the brain has to work harder to process sound and compensate for the loss of auditory input. By restoring hearing through hearing aids or cochlear implants, the cognitive load can be reduced and the brain can function more efficiently.
- enhancing social engagement and reducing the risk of isolation and depression. Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate and participate in social activities, leading to feelings of loneliness, frustration, and low self-esteem. By improving hearing through ear and hearing care, individuals can enjoy better social interactions and emotional well-being.
- increasing safety and independence. Hearing loss can impair the ability to hear important sounds and signals, such as alarms, sirens, doorbells, or phone calls, which can pose a threat to personal safety and security. By improving hearing through ear and hearing care, individuals can be more aware of their surroundings and stay safer when alone.
- boost productivity and income. Hearing loss can affect the educational and occupational opportunities and outcomes of individuals, as they may face barriers to learning, communication, and career advancement. By improving hearing through ear and hearing care, individuals can improve their academic and professional performance and earn higher incomes.
All of this reminds us that World Hearing Day is an important occasion to raise awareness and advocate for ear and hearing care for all – it can bring many benefits to individuals and society.
By changing mindsets and making ear and hearing care a reality for all, the quality of life and well-being of millions of people around the world can be improved.
If you are in North Cardiff and are concerned about the hearing health of yourself or a loved one, Viney Hearing Care are on hand to provide first-class expert assistance to address your issues.
They offer guaranteed impartial and professional advice for a complete solution to your hearing difficulties. They are also able to select hearing aids from a range of internationally recognised manufacturing companies worldwide to ensure that you can confidently receive the most up to date technology and advice available. If you would like to arrange a free hearing assessment, please call their Whitchurch branch on 02920 250121.
A: 66 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DJ
T: 02920 250121
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