Life Unlimited is supporting the World Health Organization’s World Hearing Day on Wednesday 3 March calling it a “massive call to action” for New Zealand.
The theme for World Hearing Day is Hearing Call for ALL! Screen, Rehabilitate, Communicate.
The day will mark the launch of the first-ever World Report on Hearing which presents a global call for action to address hearing loss and ear diseases across the life course.
One of the main impacts of hearing loss is on the individual’s ability to communicate with others. Spoken language development is often delayed in children with unaddressed hearing loss.
Unaddressed hearing loss and ear diseases such as otitis media can have a significantly adverse effect on the academic performance of children. They often have increased rates of grade failure and greater need for education assistance.
Access to suitable accommodations is important for optimal learning experiences but are not always available.
The key messages of World Hearing Day 2021:
Policy makers
- The number of people living with unaddressed hearing loss and ear diseases is unacceptable.
- Timely action is needed to prevent and address hearing loss across the life course.
- Investing in cost effective interventions will benefit people with hearing loss and bring financial gains to the society.
- Integrate person-centered ear and hearing care within national health plans for universal health coverage.
General public
- Good hearing and communication are important at all stages of life.
- Hearing loss (and related ear diseases) can be avoided through preventative actions such as: protection against loud sounds; good ear care practices and immunization.
- Hearing loss (and related ear diseases) can be addressed when it is identified in a timely manner and appropriate care sought.
- People at risk of hearing loss should check their hearing regularly.
- People having hearing loss (or related ear diseases) should seek care from a health care provider.
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