World Hearing Day: How to Support Hearing Care for All

In a Stats Canada study representing 15.2 million people, 54% of Canadians aged 40 to 79 had a hearing loss and most did not know.

The global prevalence of hearing loss is on the rise and underpublicized. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, 900 million people will have a disabling hearing loss.

Currently, 466 million people worldwide have a hearing loss, but only 17% of those who could benefit from a hearing aid actually use one.

To raise a call to action, the WHO is releasing its first World Report on Hearing to address hearing loss and ear diseases.

But let’s bring this closer to home.

Hearing loss among Canadians

Did you know? Hearing loss consistently ranks among the top five long-term disabilities in Canada. 35% of adults have some degree of hearing loss in the high frequency range, which are usually the first frequencies we stop hearing if we have an age-related hearing loss.

Hearing loss can cause embarrassment, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and stress. It has also been linked to a number of health conditions including cognitive decline and dementia, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. With a hearing impairment, you are also at a higher risk for falls, injuries, and social isolation.

Still, only 4% of Canadians self-report their hearing difficulties. Hearing tests are often not part of your annual examination with your doctor, creating a gap between hearing loss and necessary hearing treatment.

HearingLife Canada wants to help more people hear better.

HearingLife is part of the largest network of hearing clinics in Canada providing full-service hearing healthcare to Canadians in need.

During the pandemic, HearingLife ramped up their remote care options to make hearing healthcare more accessible. It is now easier than ever to address your hearing concerns with a hearing professional – no doctor referral needed.

In line with their mission to help more Canadians hear better, HearingLife also sponsors the National Campaign for Better Hearing’s Give-back program which gives free hearing aids to Canadians who need them. The campaign also raises awareness on hearing loss, hearing prevention, and hearing care.

How you can support hearing care for all

Here are two easy ways you can help raise hearing loss awareness:

1. Show your support online

There is power in numbers. The WHO is organizing a hear-a-thon on social media to raise awareness. On March 3^rd, post your support with the following hashtags that promote world hearing day and support hearing testing:

• #hearathon2021
• #worldhearingday
• #hearingcare
• #safelistening
• #hearinglifecanada

2. Take a free online hearing test and pass it on

77% of Canadians are unaware of their hearing loss. Hearing loss can get progressively worse overtime and could lead to social isolation, depression, and dementia among other conditions if left undetected and not treated. Early hearing loss detection is key to your ongoing hearing care and overall quality of life. Take a free online hearing test and then pass it on to someone else!

_{References
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2019008/article/00002-eng.htm
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss#:~:text=Hearing%20loss%20and%20deafness,moderate%2C%20severe%2C%20or%20profound.
https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/03/03/default-calendar/world-hearing-day-2021-hearing-care-for-all}

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