World Hearing Day 2018Every year on 3 March, the World Health Organization (WHO) holds World Hearing Day to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

This year the theme is ‘Hear the Future’ and aims to draw attention to the anticipated increase in the number of people with hearing loss around the world in the coming decades.

5 facts about hearing loss

  • Around the world, over 466 million people live with disabling hearing loss. It is predicted that by 2050 nearly one in ten people will have hearing loss.
  • About 1.1 billion young people (aged between 12–35 years) are at risk of hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sounds, such as listening to personal audio devices at high volumes and for prolonged periods of time and regular attendance at concerts, nightclubs, bars and sporting events. Reducing exposure to loud sounds and using hearing protection like earplugs and noise-cancelling earphones/headphones.
  • Approximately one third of people over 65 years of age are affected by disabling hearing loss. Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to exclusion from communication and can contribute to feelings of loneliness, frustration and social isolation. Hearing loss in the elderly is also linked with early cognitive decline and dementia. Age-related hearing loss can be managed effectively through a variety of means, including hearing aids.
  • Hearing loss can be caused by occupational noise, such as loud sounds of machinery. It has become the most compensated occupational hazard. This can be largely prevented through improved awareness of legislation (The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005) and the use of personal protective devices.
  • Unaddressed hearing loss poses an annual global cost of 750 billion international dollars. This includes health sector costs, costs of educational support, loss of productivity and societal costs.

What causes hearing loss?

  • Normal ageing process
  • Exposure to loud sounds
  • Listening through personal audio devices at unsafe levels
  • Wax or foreign bodies blocking the ear canal
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Use of certain medicines
  • Injury to the head or ear

What can you do to avoid hearing loss?

  • Don’t put any objects into your ears
  • Use earplugs and earmuffs in noisy places
  • Listen safely through personal audio devices
  • Consult a doctor immediately if you have any ear problems
  • Check if the medicines you take can affect your hearing
  • Have your hearing tested regularly

You may have a hearing loss if:

  • You often ask people to repeat themselves
  • You tend to raise the volume of the radio or television
  • You regularly miss parts of conversations
  • People tell you that you speak loudly

Book a free initial hearing assessment

If you think you, or someone you know, would benefit from a free initial hearing assessment with one of our expert audiologists call us on 01635 523 343 or email us at newburycentre@maryhare.org.uk 

 

Find out more about 2018’s World Hearing Day

Read the WHO factsheet on Deafness and hearing loss