World Hearing Day 2023 shines a spotlight on the importance of integrating ear and hearing care into primary healthcare systems worldwide. This year’s campaign emphasizes the need to make hearing care accessible and affordable for everyone, as part of universal health coverage. With over 1.5 billion people globally experiencing some degree of hearing loss, and 430 million suffering from moderate to severe hearing loss, the urgency to act has never been greater.
In the Americas alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 217 million people live with hearing loss, representing 21.52% of the population. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 322 million. Alarmingly, 80% of people with hearing loss live in low- and middle-income countries, where access to care is often limited or nonexistent.
Untreated hearing loss has far-reaching consequences, affecting communication, education, employment, and mental health. It also places a significant economic burden on societies, costing the Americas an estimated $262 million annually. The good news? Many of these challenges can be addressed through prevention, early detection, and timely intervention.
Ear and hearing care encompasses a range of interventions designed to prevent, identify, and treat hearing loss and related ear diseases. This includes rehabilitation and support for those affected. The 2023 World Hearing Day campaign highlights the importance of integrating these services into primary healthcare systems, making them accessible to all.
Hearing and ear problems are among the most common health issues worldwide.
Over 60% of hearing issues can be identified and addressed early.
Integrating ear and hearing care into primary healthcare is achievable through training and skill development, benefiting individuals and helping countries meet their universal health coverage goals.
Hearing is a complex process that begins when sound waves travel through the ear canal to the inner ear, where they are converted into electrical signals sent to the brain. The brain then interprets these signals as recognizable sounds. However, exposure to loud noises over time can damage the delicate structures of the ear, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss or conditions like tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Hearing loss often starts subtly, making it hard to hear high-pitched sounds like doorbells or birds chirping. Without intervention, it can progress to irreversible damage, making communication challenging, especially in noisy environments like restaurants or markets.
Hearing loss can result from a variety of factors, including:
Genetic conditions or malformations of the ear.
Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella or toxoplasmosis, which can affect a baby’s hearing.
Trauma, prolonged exposure to loud noises, or the use of certain medications.
Aging, as natural wear and tear on the auditory system can lead to gradual hearing loss.
Untreated hearing loss can have a profound impact on individuals and their families, affecting language development, cognitive abilities, education, employment opportunities, and social interactions.
Early detection and treatment of hearing loss are crucial. Without timely intervention, hearing loss can lead to:
Delayed speech and language development in children.
Social isolation and mental health challenges in adults.
Reduced productivity and limited career opportunities.
The good news is that many cases of hearing loss can be prevented or treated with the right care. This includes hearing aids, cochlear implants, and rehabilitation services.
Protect your ears from loud noises. Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in noisy environments.
Practice good ear hygiene. Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into your ears.
Get vaccinated. Protect yourself against diseases like rubéola and meningitis, which can cause hearing loss.
Get regular hearing check-ups, especially if you’re at risk (e.g., work in a noisy environment or have a family history of hearing loss).
Seek professional help if you notice any signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding speech or ringing in the ears.
Hearing care begins from the moment a child is born. In many countries, including Brazil, newborns are required to undergo a hearing screening test (often called the “ear test” or teste da orelhinha). This simple, painless test can identify hearing issues early, allowing for prompt intervention.
High-risk groups, such as premature babies or those with a family history of hearing loss, should receive special attention. Additionally, pregnant women should ensure they receive proper prenatal care, including vaccinations against diseases like rubella, which can cause congenital hearing loss.
In Brazil, 1.1% of the population (approximately 2.2 million people) lives with hearing loss. Of these, 0.9% lost their hearing due to illness or injury, while 0.2% were born deaf. Among those with hearing loss, 21% experience significant limitations that affect their daily lives.
Globally, the economic impact of untreated hearing loss is staggering. By investing in prevention, early detection, and treatment, we can reduce these costs and improve the quality of life for millions of people.
To mark World Hearing Day 2023, the WHO has released a new training manual titled Primary Ear and Hearing Care Training Manual. This practical guide is designed for healthcare workers and doctors at the primary care level, providing them with the tools to prevent, identify, and treat hearing loss and common ear diseases.
The manual is available in English and can be accessed here. It’s a valuable resource for anyone working to improve ear and hearing care in their community.
Hearing care is not just a health issue—it’s a human right. By taking simple steps to protect your hearing and advocating for better access to care, you can make a difference. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a policymaker, or someone who cares about their hearing, now is the time to act.
Let’s work together to ensure that ear and hearing care for all becomes a reality. Share this article, spread awareness, and encourage others to prioritize their hearing health. Because everyone deserves to hear the world clearly.
Sources:
© 2025 All Rights Reserved M&M.MKT