World Hearing Day 2025
On World Hearing Day 2025, the theme “Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!” encourages individuals of all ages to take action for their own ear and hearing health, as well as to support others in this important area of public health.
Building upon the 2024 focus on changing mindsets, this year’s campaign aims to inspire individuals to recognize the importance of ear and hearing health. The goal is to empower people to take proactive steps, such as protecting their hearing from loud sounds, regularly checking their hearing, using hearing devices when needed, and supporting those living with hearing loss.
By adopting these behaviors, individuals can not only improve their own ear and hearing care but also contribute to a society that values and prioritizes hearing health. Empowered individuals have the potential to create lasting change, both in their own lives and in the broader community.
Key facts (WHO)
- By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss, and more than 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.
- Unaddressed hearing loss poses an annual global cost of almost US$ 1 trillion.
- Over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.
- An annual additional investment of less than US$ 1.40 per person is needed to scale up ear and hearing care services globally.
- Over a 10-year period, this promises a return of nearly US$ 16 for every US dollar invested.
Message from Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia
Each year, on 3rd March, we observe World Hearing Day to raise awareness about preventing deafness and hearing loss, while advocating for ear and hearing care worldwide. This year, under the theme “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All,” we reaffirm our commitment to empowering individuals, communities, and health systems to take meaningful action toward better ear and hearing health.
Hearing loss is an escalating public health challenge. Over 1.5 billion people are affected globally, with nearly 80% living in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 400 million people experience hearing problems in our South-East Asia Region alone – a number that could rise to 660 million by 2050 if current trends continue.
These are not just statistics; they reflect real individuals whose lives, livelihoods, and well-being are deeply impacted. Unaddressed hearing loss has far-reaching consequences—influencing language development, education, employment, and mental health. However, many causes are preventable, and effective, cost-efficient interventions are available. Despite this, over 80% of ear and hearing care needs worldwide remain unmet. Bridging this gap must be a priority.
I am encouraged by progress made by Member States in strengthening ear and hearing in our Region. Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal have conducted situational assessments using WHO tools and are advancing towards strategic development for strengthening ear and hearing care services. Myanmar has integrated ear and hearing care with eye care, elderly care, and mental health services at the community level. Bhutan has implemented free hearing screenings and hearing aid services for children. Indonesia has initiated integrated hearing and vision screening in schools. Field-testing of Training on Assistive Products hearing modules is being done in India.
On this World Hearing Day, I call on governments, health professionals, civil society, and individuals to prioritize ear and hearing care, challenge stigma, and advocate for greater investment in this critical area.
Together, we can ensure hearing care is accessible to all, everywhere.
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