FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN – Members of the International Hearing Society (IHS) are preparing to celebrate World Hearing Day on March 3, 2025, to raise awareness about hearing healthcare and address the stigma surrounding hearing loss and the use of hearing aids.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, over 500 million people are expected to experience disabling hearing loss requiring rehabilitation. Additionally, more than one billion young people are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise in recreational settings and from personal audio devices.
With an increasing number of age groups impacted by hearing loss, IHS, in collaboration with WHO, is encouraging individuals of all ages to take control of their hearing health and inspire others to do the same.
“Take the steps necessary to discover your hearing baseline with a visit to a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist to empower yourself and make hearing care a reality for all. World Hearing Day provides a tremendous opportunity for all hearing healthcare professionals to make a difference, change mindsets, and help the public.”
–IHS President Michael Andreozzi, BS, BC-HIS
World Health Organization Global Key Facts
- By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss, and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.
- Over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.
- An additional annual investment of less than US$ 1.40 per person is required to scale up ear and hearing care services globally.
- Over a 10-year period, the above investment promises a return of nearly US$ 16 for every US dollar invested.
- More than 5% of the world’s population – or 430 million people – require rehabilitation to address their disabling hearing loss (including 34 million children).
- It is estimated that by 2050, over 700 million people – or 1 in every 10 people – will have disabling hearing loss.
IHS Executive Director Alissa Parady, CAE, stated, “IHS is a proud partner of WHO’s World Hearing Day as IHS members are on the forefront of helping people protect and enhance their hearing. These licensed Hearing Aid Specialists provide optimal hearing care in their communities, and for their service, I applaud our members’ profession and the important, yet often unrecognized, work they accomplish in their communities. Learn more about this hidden yet esteemed profession on the IHS website.”
Now is the perfect time to begin addressing hearing loss. WHO’s recommendations for protecting and/or addressing hearing health include:
- Keep volume levels below 60% of maximum and use earplugs in loud environments.
- Request a hearing test for newborns, school-age children, and anyone over the age of 50.
- Check your hearing annually using the WHO hearWHO app, and visit a professional if your score is below 50. If help is needed finding a professional, IHS recommends visiting the Find a Provider page on the IHS website to connect with a Hearing Aid Specialist in the area.
- Use assistive technology like hearing aids or other devices (if advised), in addition to captioning tools to make information more accessible.
- Stay informed and educate others about good hearing healthcare practices. Share this information within your community.
Sources:
1. World Hearing Day 2025 – World Hearing Day
2. Deafness and hearing loss
3. WHO Media Library
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 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 its professionals. For more information, visit www.ihsinfo.org.
