Geneva: On March 3, 2025, the world will unite to observe World Hearing Day, with the theme: “Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all.”
Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the campaign urges individuals to take proactive steps to protect their ear and hearing health, adopt safer listening habits, and improve access to hearing care.
The 2025 initiative aims to inspire people to safeguard their ears from loud sounds, undergo regular hearing check-ups, use hearing devices when needed, and support those experiencing hearing loss. By taking these steps, individuals contribute to a society where hearing health is prioritized and accessible to all.
Key facts on hearing loss
Hearing loss is a growing global concern. One in two young people are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices (WHO). More than 700 million people worldwide require rehabilitation for disabling hearing loss, a number projected to rise in the coming years. By 2050, one in four people will experience some degree of hearing loss.
Despite these alarming statistics, over 80% of global ear and hearing care needs remain unmet. The economic impact of unaddressed hearing loss is also staggering, with an annual cost of nearly $1 trillion worldwide. Furthermore, more than 25% of people over 60 experiences disabling hearing loss, significantly affecting their quality of life.
Children are particularly vulnerable, with nearly 60% of childhood hearing loss being preventable through public health measures. In adults, the most common causes of hearing loss, including prolonged exposure to loud sounds and ototoxic medications, can also be prevented with the right precautions.
New WHO Initiatives
To address these challenges, WHO is launching two major initiatives this year. The WHO-ITU Global Standard for Safe Listening in Video Game Play and Sports aims to protect gamers and sports enthusiasts from harmful noise exposure. Additionally, a School Module on Smart Listening is being introduced to teach children safe listening habits and integrate hearing care into educational programs.
WHO continues to support ear and hearing health through various technical resources. These include Safe Listening Standards for devices, venues, and events, as well as the mSafeListening Handbook, a guide to implementing mobile-based hearing care solutions.
The HearWHO app provides a self-screening tool for users to monitor their hearing health over time. Additionally, WHO offers community resources on recognizing hearing loss, hearing aid tips, and ear health education.
How you can take action
Protecting your hearing starts with simple, proactive steps. Regular hearing check-ups using tools like the HearWHO app can help detect early signs of hearing loss.
Avoiding prolonged exposure to loud environments, lowering headphone volumes, and using hearing protection in noisy settings are effective ways to prevent hearing damage.
Beyond individual action, advocating for ear and hearing care within your community can raise awareness and encourage better hearing health practices for all. Governments, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to host events and initiatives that promote safe listening habits and accessibility to hearing care services.
Who should get involved?
Hearing health is relevant to everyone. People with hearing loss can advocate for better accessibility and early intervention. Gaming enthusiasts and young adults should learn safe listening practices to protect their long-term hearing.
Parents and teachers play a crucial role in educating children about hearing health, while older adults should ensure regular screenings for better quality of life.
World Hearing Day 2025 is a global call to action. Through collective efforts, we can create a future where hearing health is a priority and accessible to all.
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