Audiology Medical Services celebrates World Hearing Day this March 3rd and supports the World Health Organisation who champions this year’s message ‘Ear and hearing care for all!’ This message focuses on taking a step forward in sensitising and realising integrated people-centered ear and hearing care.
With this theme, the World Health Organisation have communication objectives to:
- - Draw attention of decision makers in governments and civil society groups towards the WHO’s recommendations regarding integration of ear and hearing care into PHC.
- - Encourage governments to integrate primary ear and hearing care into training programmes for health care providers at primary level.
- - Call attention of primary level health care providers (health workers and physicians) towards the needs of people with hearing loss and ear disease.
- - Inform people about the importance of ear and hearing care and encourage them to seek services.
With World Hearing Day it is important to be aware of the identification and prevention of hearing loss.
Over 190 million people in the WHO European Region live with some degree of hearing loss. This figure is projected to rise to over 230 million by 2050. Ear and hearing problems are among the most common health issues, and 60% of them can be identified and addressed at the primary level of care.
Addressing hearing loss can have a positive impact on many aspects of an individual’s life, leading to successful communication and interpersonal relationships; speech, language and cognitive development in children; healthy ageing; education and employment opportunities; and good mental health and well-being.
When it comes to children, almost 60% of hearing loss occurs due to causes that can be prevented through immunisation and improved maternal care. In adults, legislation on noise control and safe listening, as well as surveillance of ototoxicity (damage to the hearing system resulting from medicines and chemicals), can reduce the potential for hearing loss. Therefore, regular screenings should be undertaken to ensure that any hearing problems are identified as early as possible.
Through this year’s theme, WHO will highlight the importance of integrating ear and hearing care within primary care, as an essential component of universal health coverage.
We hope that the World Hearing Day 2023 will be a massive call to action. All sectors can demonstrate their leadership by making this year’s event the largest one the country has ever seen.
Audiology Medical Services
Audiology Medical Services – Ireland’s leading independent audiology specialists – recommend that after the age of 45, you should have a hearing test every three years. We offer free adult hearing screening tests at all their clinics nationwide. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one’s hearing, we are here to help you through this challenging process and help limit the impact it makes on your life. To make an appointment to talk to one of Audiology Medical Services’ clinically trained professional audiologists, available at clinics nationwide, freephone 1800 501 501 or visit www.audiologymedicalservices.ie
0 Comments
Add Comment