Today the World Health Organisation (WHO) once again raises awareness of hearing health around the globe with the annual World Hearing Day. This year’s theme “Action for hearing loss: make a sound investment” aims to highlight the economic impact of hearing loss.

According to the WHO, “unaddressed hearing loss poses a high cost for the economy globally and has a significant impact on the lives of those affected. Interventions to address hearing loss are available and are cost-effective”.

On a global scale the numbers are staggering. The WHO estimates that unaddressed hearing loss costs the global economy $750 billion each year. 360 million people live with a disabling hearing loss and a further 1 billion people are at risk of hearing loss due to listening to loud music for extended periods of time.

The global numbers are hard to comprehend, but for individuals the take home message is simple. The personal cost of unaddressed hearing loss is high, but the relative cost of prevention and intervention is not.

Hearing loss can profoundly impact quality of life and is linked to other health conditions. However, hearing loss can largely be overcome by protecting your ears from excessive noise, early detection of hearing loss, appropriate treatment (use of hearing devices fitted by qualified experts) and being fully informed.

Mackay Hearing Principal Audiologist and Director, Jodie Miles believes World Hearing Day provides a great opportunity to raise awareness on hearing issues. “World Hearing Day is as good as any day to consider your hearing health and take action if there are concerns. Taking action starts by simply booking a hearing test, even if it is just for piece of mind”, Ms Miles said.

For more information on World Hearing Day 2017, visit the relevant pages on the World Health Organization’s website.

Find out more about Mackay Hearing at mackayhearing.com.au or call 4952 4649.