Let’s End Deafness on this World Hearing Day

Posted On: 2023-03-03 14:45:16

In order to create awareness about deafness and hearing impairments, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced in 2007 that the 3rd of March would be celebrated as World Hearing Day. According to WHO, over five per cent of the world’s population suffers from some kind of hearing impairment. It is also estimated that by 2050, more than 700 million people will be dealing with some kind of hearing issue. Add to that, at least 1 billion people are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits. 

 

To combat the highly-ignored and dangerous trend, WHO tries its best to prevent this epidemic by creating awareness about deafness, and hearing impairments and promoting healthy listening habits. 

 

The theme for this year is “Ear and hearing care for all! Let’s make it a reality”. The objective of this theme is to:

 

1. Draw attention of decision makers in governments and civil society groups towards the WHO’s recommendations regarding integration of ear and hearing care into Primary Health Care.
2. Encourage governments to integrate primary ear and hearing care into training programmes for health care providers at primary level.
3. Call attention of primary level health care providers (health workers and physicians) towards the needs of people with hearing loss and ear disease.
4. Inform people about the importance of ear and hearing care and encourage them to seek services.

 

A new training manual called ‘Primary ear and hearing care training manual’ will also be released on 3rd March.

 

We, at Filaaantro, are committed to serving society and helping the needy in whatever way possible. So, here are few ways you can celebrate World Hearing Day on 3rd March. 

 

 

 

1. Donate Hearing-Aids to a person suffering from hearing impairment

 

Hearing Aids or Cochlear Implants are the best way to empower people with hearing impairment. It makes them more independent and helps them feel safe in society. You can donate a hearing aid to your friend who is suffering from hearing loss or start a crowdfunding event to fund someone’s cochlear implant.

 

2. Promote Sign Languages

 

People suffering from hearing loss often have to rely on visual cues to communicate. It becomes extremely difficult for them to interact with others without the use of sign language. So, you can take up sign language classes or conduct a sign language session to learn some basic sign language. This will help the deaf in your community to interact with people in your society.

 

3. Promote Healthy Listening Habits

 

As mentioned above, it is estimated that by 2050 over 1 billion people will suffer from some kind of avoidable hearing loss. This can easily be prevented if we promote safe and healthy listening habits. You can use social media to spread habits like listening to low sounds, using earmuffs etc.

 

4. Support NGOs for the Deaf

 

There are various NGOs in India trying their best to make the lives of deaf people easier. You can help them in fulfilling their mission by donating or volunteering for them. Some of these NGOs are Sense International India, VAANI, Sounds of Silence etc.

 

5. Support the hearing-impaired in their ventures

 

You can also help people with hearing impairment by supporting them in their ventures. You can promote their businesses or help them with their aspirations. This will make them feel loved and will empower them to move ahead in their life.

 

So, Let’s pledge to help the hearing-impaired people in our community, and make their lives easier. 

AUTHOR: ADIL SAYYAD