World Hearing Day 2025: A Call for Action on Ear, Hearing Care

World Hearing Day, marked on March 3, aims to raise awareness about preventing deafness and hearing loss, promoting the theme “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All,” UN website reported.

With over 1.5 billion people affected globally, nearly 80% reside in low- and middle-income countries. In the South-East Asia Region alone, an estimated 400 million people face hearing problems, a figure projected to rise to 660 million by 2050.

The consequences of unaddressed hearing loss impact language development, education, employment, and mental health, yet over 80% of ear and hearing care needs remain unmet. Progress has been made, with countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal strengthening their ear and hearing care services. Myanmar has integrated these services with mental health care, while Bhutan offers free screenings for children.

On this World Hearing Day, stakeholders are urged to prioritize ear and hearing care, challenge stigma, and advocate for increased investment in this vital area.