The International Ear Care day was the outcome of the Beijing Declaration made during the 1st International Conference on Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hearing Loss in 2007. The date ‘3 March’ was selected due to the similarity of the figures 3.3 with the shape of our ears. The day is observed with a designated theme, decided by WHO in collaboration with its partners, collaborating centres and experts. The ‘day’ provides a unique opportunity to work together to draw the attention of media, policy-makers, administrators, health professionals and the general public towards the cause of hearing loss. By observing this day, we can all help create a global movement, which will compel others to give ear and hearing care the attention it deserves and to persons with hearing loss, their due respect.

The 2014 theme is Ear care can avoid hearing loss. At least half of all cases of hearing loss are avoidable through primary prevention, including healthy ear care practices.

Dr Shelly Chadha, Technical Officer, Prevention of Blindness and Deafness, World Health Organization, Geneva, commented, “In order to raise the profile of ear and hearing care on the global health agenda, all of us: ear and hearing care professionals; nongovernmental organizations; collaborating centres; persons with hearing loss and their caregivers, must be a part of this movement. As members of the health profession, we dedicate ourselves every day to caring for our patients and their wellbeing. By devoting one day to the public health aspect of our chosen field, we can reach many more and be a part of a worldwide effort to raise awareness and resources for ear and hearing care.”

In 2012, WHO released estimates which suggest that 360 million persons across the world live with disabling hearing loss. Amongst persons above 65 years of age, one out of three is reported to have hearing loss, yet less than 3% of persons receive the hearing aids they require.

Despite the fact that two thirds of people with hearing loss live in developing countries, services for hearing care remain elusive where they are most needed. The number of ENT surgeons per million ranges from 0 to 4 in low-income countries as compared to 9-178 in high-income countries. In 18 countries of sub-Saharan Africa, there is an average of less than 1 ENT surgeon per 100 000 persons. Moreover, the current global health priorities for developing countries have yet to pay attention to hearing loss. The overall low level of awareness about ear diseases and hearing loss at all levels within the society adds to the growing burden.

This blog post is based on the Editorial that Dr Chadha wrote for the March issue of The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, the full article can be read free of charge here.

Find out more about the WHO International Ear Care Day here.