Each year, on March 3, the world observes World Hearing Day to raise awareness about preventing deafness and hearing loss, while advocating for ear and hearing care worldwide.
This year, under the theme “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All,” we reaffirm our commitment to empowering individuals, communities, and health systems to take meaningful action toward better ear and hearing health.
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Hearing loss is an escalating public health challenge. Over 1.5 billion people are affected globally, with nearly 80 per cent living in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 400 million people experience hearing problems in our South-East Asia Region alone – a number that could rise to 660 million by 2050 if current trends continue.
These are not just statistics; they reflect real individuals whose lives, livelihoods, and well-being are deeply impacted. Unaddressed hearing loss has far-reaching consequences—influencing language development, education, employment, and mental health. However, many causes are preventable, and effective, cost-efficient interventions are available. Despite this, over 80 per cent of ear and hearing care needs worldwide remain unmet. Bridging this gap must be a priority.
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I am encouraged by progress made by Member States in strengthening ear and hearing in our Region. Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal have conducted situational assessments using WHO tools and are advancing towards strategic development for strengthening ear and hearing care services. Myanmar has integrated ear and hearing care with eye care, elderly care, and mental health services at the community level. Bhutan has implemented free hearing screenings and hearing aid services for children. Indonesia has initiated integrated hearing and vision screening in schools. Field-testing of Training on Assistive Products hearing modules is being done in India.
On this World Hearing Day, I call on governments, health professionals, civil society, and individuals to prioritize ear and hearing care, challenge stigma, and advocate for greater investment in this critical area. Together, we can ensure hearing care is accessible to all, everywhere. – By Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia.
