World Hearing Day 2025: Making Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All

The WHO has taken significant steps to help us prevent hearing loss and, at the same time, improve worldwide access to hearing care. The key initiatives are:

1. Global Standards for Safe Listening: New safety guidelines for video games and sports environments to protect against noise-induced hearing loss.

2. Smart Listening in Schools: A dedicated school module to educate children about hearing health and safe listening habits.

3. hearWHO App: This is a mobile screening tool using digits-in-noise technology. It helps people detect hearing loss early and seek timely medical attention.

It's everyone's concern, but it's especially crucial for:

• Children and Students: About 60% of hearing loss in children is caused by factors that we can actually prevent. These include infections, untreated ear conditions, and poor maternal care. Safe listening habits early can protect hearing for life. 

• Older Adults: Hearing loss increases with age, affecting 15.4% of people in their 60s and climbing to 58.2% of those over 90. Unaddressed hearing loss is linked to over 8% of dementia cases in older adults.

• Gaming Enthusiasts and Music Lovers: Prolonged exposure to loud sounds is a growing risk for gaming enthusiasts and music lovers. Studies show that 37% of rock musicians and 52% of classical musicians have measurable hearing loss. Over 75% of gamers regularly engage in risky listening habits like using headphones at high volumes for long periods. Recreational noise is a major cause of hearing loss, often irreversible.

• Health Professionals and Caregivers: Routine hearing screening and early intervention improve outcomes, but globally, less than 20% of people who need ear and hearing care receive the required services.

• Workers in Noisy Environments: Jobs in industries like construction and manufacturing often involve dangerous noise levels. Following workplace safety standards is essential to prevent permanent hearing damage.

You must have heard the common proverb, "A stitch in time saves nine." It applies well here. Acting early will avoid bigger problems, so why not take steps?

Below are simple steps for all:

1. Follow Safe Listening Guidelines: WHO's new standards can help you enjoy music, games, and sports without damaging your hearing.

2. Check Your Hearing Regularly: The hearWHO app offers easy and quick hearing screening. Consider this a mandatory step, especially if you work in noisy environments, frequently use headphones, or are over 50.

3. Follow the 60/60 Rule: Listen at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.

4. Use Noise Protection: Wear earplugs in loud environments, including concerts, construction sites, or while using power tools.

5. If Needed, Seek Medical Help: Consult an ENT specialist or audiologist if you experience persistent ringing (tinnitus), difficulty hearing conversations, or muffled sounds. They may suggest hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive devices, which can significantly improve quality of life.

6. Raise Awareness: Advocate for sign language, subtitles, hearing-friendly workplaces, and public health policies.

Share #WorldHearingDay2025, #HearTheFuture, and #SafeListening on social media.

Many cases of hearing loss are preventable, and your actions today can protect your hearing for the future. You can reduce the risk of permanent damage by adopting safe listening habits, like keeping volumes low and taking listening breaks. Early diagnosis and regular hearing check-ups are just as important, helping people get the care they need while reducing the healthcare burden. 

Remember, hearing care should be accessible to all; awareness is the first step to making that possible.

This World Hearing Day, join the global movement to protect hearing health. Share your story using #EmpowerYourHearing and encourage friends and family to check their hearing and practice safe listening.

Together, we can raise awareness, support better hearing care, and make a lasting difference for communities everywhere. Feel free to contact HexaHealth if you have any questions.