‘Ear and hearing care for all!’

World Hearing Day is an annual global advocacy event for raising awareness regarding hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care, and calling for action to address hearing loss and related issues.

World Hearing Day is held on March 3 each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

Each year, the World Health Organisation focuses on a theme to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the globe. e 2023 theme is ‘Ear and hearing care for all!’

According to the WHO, more than 60 per cent of ear and hearing problems can be identi ed and addressed at the primary level of care.

Hearing New Zealand uses the white cat as a symbol to make the invisible symbol of hearing impairment visible and relatable, as white cats are also hearing impaired. For more information, visit: www. hearing.org.nz and www.who.int/ campaigns/world-hearing-day/2023

The advances in hearing technology

Technology has revolutionised the health industry –think pedometers, heart monitors, blood sugar tests and more.

Information and upgrades are more readily available than ever before. It’s an exciting time in the medical eld, including hearing and audiology. Researchers and technology developers are creating never-before-seen options for auditory devices.

More connected lives

Most hearing aids (specialised medical devices), today could classify as a ‘hearable’ but not all hearables are considered hearing aids. No longer just tools for directing sound, ‘hearables’ are helping people live more connected, inspired and healthy lifestyles.

Ear-level devices can now measure heart rate, track steps, translate languages and detect falls.