FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN – The International Hearing Society (IHS) marked World Hearing Day on March 1st with a special event at its newly opened world headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Local dignitaries, including Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich, IHS President Patrick Kochanowski, and representatives from the city’s economic development team and U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ office, were in attendance.
The mid-day celebration aimed to raise awareness about the vital role hearing plays in overall health and the work IHS members are doing globally to improve access to hearing care. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with local hearing aid specialists who volunteered their time to answer questions and provide information on addressing hearing concerns.
“IHS members are receiving recognition as an excellent pathway to better hearing through events and campaigns like World Hearing Day,” stated IHS President Kochanowski. “I am proud to partner with the World Health Organization to help share the message that hearing care is a vital component of overall healthcare.”
As part of the event, IHS showcased consumer awareness materials and invited participants to share their favorite sounds and ideas for “changing mindsets about hearing care” – the theme of this year’s World Hearing Day observance by the World Hearing Forum.
The organization’s public relations efforts surrounding World Hearing Day successfully drew 2,756 visitors to the IHS website, with 358 media outlets covering the news. The increased visibility highlights the growing global focus on addressing hearing health challenges.
According to the World Health Organization, by 2050 nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss, with at least 700 million requiring hearing rehabilitation services. However, only a relatively small annual investment of $1.40 per person is needed to scale up ear and hearing care worldwide – an expenditure that promises a substantial return of nearly $16 for every dollar invested over a 10-year period.
In the United States alone, hearing loss affects about 60.7 million Americans aged 12 and older, with 31.1% of adults 65 and over experiencing some level of hearing impairment. Despite these figures, only a small percentage of those who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them.
Farmington Hills Mayor Rich expressed support for IHS’s hearing health initiatives, stating, “Farmington Hills is a community that places high value on addressing mental health issues, while recognizing the impact hearing plays in one’s overall health. I look forward to collaborating with the International Hearing Society in future endeavors to raise awareness of hearing healthcare.”
With its new global headquarters located in Farmington Hills, the IHS is well-positioned to drive greater awareness and action around hearing health through partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organization. Improved hearing screening, treatment, and prevention efforts have the potential to enhance quality of life for millions worldwide.
About the International Hearing Society
The International Hearing Society (IHS) is a membership association that represents hearing healthcare professionals worldwide, including hearing aid specialists. IHS members are engaged in the practice of performing hearing assessments, selecting, fitting, and dispensing hearing instruments, counseling patients, and providing aftercare services. Founded in 1951, IHS protects, represents, and promotes the interests of hearing healthcare and hearing healthcare professionals. For more information visit www.ihsinfo.org.
Source: IHS
