Why Hearing Matters: Exploring Health Impacts on World Hearing Day
Good hearing health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet hearing loss largely goes undiagnosed and untreated. In honor of World Hearing Day, discover the importance of better hearing and how it can affect other parts of your health.
What is World Hearing Day?
World Hearing Day is held on March 3rd each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote hearing care across the world. This year, World Hearing Day focuses on overcoming the challenges posed by societal misperceptions and stigmatizing mindsets through awareness-raising and information-sharing, targeted at the public and healthcare providers.
Key Messages of World Hearing Day
- Globally, over 80% of ear and hearing care needs remain unmet.
- Unaddressed hearing loss poses an annual cost of nearly $1 trillion U.S. dollars globally.
- Deeply ingrained societal misperceptions and stigmatizing mindsets are key factors that limit efforts for preventing and addressing hearing loss.
- Changing mindsets related to ear and hearing care is crucial to improving access and mitigating the cost of unaddressed hearing loss.
The Impact of Hearing Loss on Health
Untreated hearing loss can have negative effects on not only health but on social well-being, cognitive abilities, and your career. Hearing loss can be incredibly isolating, causing individuals to withdraw or be avoidant. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Studies also show that those with untreated hearing loss earn less than their counterparts.
Our goal at Pee Dee Hearing is to educate the people of Darlington, Lake City, Dillon, and the surrounding areas with accessible and affordable hearing healthcare. To destigmatize hearing loss and its perception, education is important. The more aware people are of hearing loss and the causes behind it, the more people can receive the treatment they need.
Managing Hearing Loss Improves Health
A common myth is that hearing loss is only tied to old age. However, there are a number of causes of hearing loss, including loud noise exposure, certain medications, head injuries, and health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Being proactive and knowing the causes and signs of hearing loss won’t only keep your hearing safe, but other aspects of your health as well.
Recognize World Hearing Day
To recognize World Hearing Day and spread awareness about the importance of hearing health, try these tips.
- Encourage your loved ones to have their hearing tested
- Protect your ears from loud noise
- Receive regular hearing screenings
- Educate those in your community about hearing loss and hearing aids
- Share your own hearing journey with others
Together, we aim to spread awareness about hearing health and help those in our community receive the care they deserve.
Pee Dee Hearing provides a wide range of hearing services to the people of Florence, Darlington, and Lake City. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and start taking charge of your hearing health.