The North West Department of Health commemorates World Hearing Day (WHD) on 3 March 2022 under the World Health Organization (WHO) theme: To hear for life, listen with care. The objective here is, to prompt an effective management of hearing loss and prevention in communities. In this year, the focus is on the importance of safe listening as a means of maintaining good hearing across the life course.

It is vital to prioritize and raise awareness on the basic human right, which is communication. Many common causes of hearing loss can be prevented, including hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sounds. Safe listening can attenuate the risk of hearing loss associated with recreational sound exposure. It is encouraged to test for hearing regularly because early diagnosis and intervention is key and it will help prevent further damages.

Individuals can protect themselves and their families from hearing loss by taking into consideration the following:

• Safe listening
• Move away from noise sources such as speakers
• Limit/ reduce the volume to neutral
• Utilize ear protective devices

The Department of Health is also concerned that children and the youth are exposed to high volumes of sound on daily basis in taxis to school, in private vehicles and in their homes while ignorant of the damaging effects. The taxi industry and parents are urged to manage this exposure.

“We are urging people to avoid noisy settings and also limit the use of headsets/headphone while listening to music. Even at social gatherings, music must be played at a neutral volume to avoid future hearing problems. We are calling on all workplaces that have a noisy environment to adhere to safety standards by ensuring that personal protection equipment especially hearing aids are made available and be worn at all times in line with Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).” said MEC Madoda Sambatha.

Source: Government of South Africa