10 February 2016

WORLD HEARING DAY: 3 MARCH 2016

Submitted by: Tanya Hanekom

World Hearing Day is an annual event held on 3 March to raise awareness and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

In 2012, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released new estimates on the magnitude of disabling hearing loss on the world stage these estimates were based on studies held in 42 countries around the world.

• There are 360 million persons in the world with disabling hearing loss (5.3% of the world’s population).

• 328 million (91%) of these are adults (183 million males, 145 million females)

• 32 million (9%) of these are children.

• The prevalence of disabling hearing loss in children is greatest in South Asia, Asia Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa.

• Approximately one-third of persons over 65 years are affected by disabling hearing loss.

• The prevalence of disabling hearing loss in adults over 65 years is highest in South Asia, Asia Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Tanya Hanekom, President of the South African Association of (SAAA) states, “Of significance is that half of all cases of deafness and hearing impairment are avoidable through primary prevention.

Healthy ear and hearing care practices can suitably deal with early detection of hearing loss, followed by appropriate diagnosis and subsequent medical, rehabilitative or surgical interventions”. In general, there is a great deal of misinformation and misperception pertaining to hearing loss, often shrugged off by those affected initially as the inability of others to pronounce their words properly or having excessive wax in their ears. In addition there is the fear of associated stigmatization and often denial.

Tanya continues, “Nobody can ‘see’ hearing loss by looking into your ear with an otoscope... your hearing has to be tested by an Audiologist with the suitable equipment! That is why loud noise, diabetes, kidney failure, ear infections and many other conditions can cause hearing loss that goes undetected for many years, silently interfering with your quality of life without you even realizing it!”

The theme for World Hearing Day 2016 is ‘Childhood hearing loss: act now, here is how!’ The theme is designed to draw attention to the fact that the majority of causes which lead to hearing loss in children can be prevented through public health measures.

Furthermore, those who have hearing loss can benefit greatly from early identification and suitable, timely interventions. World Hearing Day aims to raise awareness about strategies to reduce the prevalence and impact of hearing loss.

For further information contact your local audiologist or the South African Association of Audiologists at www.audiologysa.co.za , This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0827275977. 

Published in Health and Medicine

The South African Association of Audiologists (SAAA) is acting to raise awareness among the public about hearing and hearing loss.

SAAA, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) is celebrating World Hearing Day on 3 March 2016. Please consider including our topic and interview on the 3 March 2016 programme.    Hearing impairment is considered the most prevalent form of impairment world-wide.  Untreated hearing impairment, where applicable, is actually far-reaching and can impact detrimentally on the quality of life of those affected. Some consequences include an inability to communicate effectively, delay in speech and language development in babies and young children, learning difficulties at school, isolation, stigmatisation and depression. There are a number of medical conditions which can also aggravate the hearing impairment such as hypothyroidism, diabetes and HIV/Aids, amongst others.  The theme for World Hearing Day 2016 is ‘Childhood hearing loss: act now, here is how!’ The theme is designed to draw attention to the fact that the majority of causes which lead to hearing loss in children can be prevented through public health measures. Furthermore, those who have hearing loss can benefit greatly from early identification and suitable, timely interventions. World Hearing Day aims to raise awareness about strategies to reduce the prevalence and impact of hearing loss.  Refer attached an important media release designed to create awareness and educate the general public regarding hearing care as well as alerting the public to the dangers of purchasing hearing aids from non- registered  persons.    

Should you have any queries or require additional information, please contact  myself on [email protected] or Cornelle  on 082 727 5977.