What does the theme for World Hearing Day mean?

On World Hearing Day 2021, the World Health Organization seeks to draw attention to the importance of early identification and intervention for hearing loss. Many people live with unidentified hearing loss, often failing to realise that they are missing out on certain sounds and words. Checking one’s hearing is the first step towards addressing the issue.

The key messages related to the theme in 2021:

• 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.

Ten facts about hearing loss you should know

• Fact 1: There are around 360 million people with disabling hearing loss.
• Fact 2: Unaddressed hearing loss poses a global cost of $750 billion international dollars.
• Fact 3: Thirty-two million children have disabling hearing loss.
• Fact 4: Chronic ear infections are the leading cause of hearing loss.
• Fact 5: Nearly one in every three people over 65 years are affected by disabling hearing loss.
• Fact 6: Noise is a major avoidable cause of hearing loss.
• Fact 7: Hearing loss can be caused by occupational noise and the use ototoxic medications.
• Fact 8: People with hearing loss can benefit from devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.
• Fact 9: Sign language and captioning services facilitate communication with people who are deaf and hard of hearing.
• Fact 10: Sixty per cent of childhood hearing loss is preventable through public health actions.

Learn more: Facts and figures about hearing loss.