ISLAMABAD: World Hearing Day 2024 is being observed on Sunday, with a focus on raising awareness about hearing problems and addressing societal misperceptions.
This annual global event aims to shed light on the significance of timely recognition of hearing problems, especially in young children, to initiate interventions promptly.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General World Health Organization (WHO), in his special message regarding the day, stressed the importance of overcoming the stigma associated with hearing loss.
He said that hearing loss is often considered an “invisible disability” due to societal misconceptions and a lack of attention from policymakers.
According to WHO, over 80 percent of ear and hearing care required worldwide remains unmet, with unaddressed hearing loss costing nearly 1 trillion dollars annually.
To combat this issue, World Hearing Day 2024 focused on dispelling common misconceptions and providing accurate information about ear and hearing care.
World Hearing Day’s Objectives
The objectives of this year’s observance were to counter societal misperceptions related to hearing impairment, ensure evidence-based information to the people and healthcare providers, and call on nations and civil society to address stigmatizing mindsets.
The WHO estimates that unaddressed hearing loss incurs an annual cost of 980 billion dollars, including productivity losses and social exclusion due to lack of rehabilitation access.
As the world marks World Hearing Day, it highlights the significance of raising awareness, dispelling misconceptions, and advocating for equitable access to ear and hearing care to ensure the well-being of persons with hearing impairments.
