World Hearing Day 2023

World Hearing Day is observed every year on March 3 to raise awareness about hearing care. It is being observed since 2007. On this occasion, audiologists and other healthcare professionals create awareness about the significance of hearing and timely actions required to prevent hearing loss.

The theme of World Hearing Day 2023

The World Health Organization chose the theme “Ear and hearing care for all” for World Hearing Day 2023. It highlights the importance of integrating ear and hearing care within the primary healthcare ecosystem. It seeks to promote training and skill development in this area to help countries achieve the objective of universal health coverage. The WHO also released the ‘Primary ear and hearing care training manual’.

National Programme for Prevention and Control of Deafness

The scheme is implemented under the National Health Mission of GoI. The main objective of the programme is to prevent hearing loss. Also, the programme aims to identify and treat hearing loss problems at early stages. It works to rehabilitate persons suffering from deafness. The programme also works to develop institutional capacities in the country related to ear care.

Need to observe the day in India

The WHO says there are more than 63 million deaf people in India. And diabetes is one of the major reasons behind the increasing deafness in the country. According to the NSO survey, there are 291 deaf persons per one lakh population.

Why is Diabetes a major reason for hearing loss in India?

Diabetes damages the nerves connecting the brain. The nerves and blood vessels in the inner ear are very small. High blood sugar level in these blood vessels and nerves damage their signal-carrying capacity. The electric potential of the nerve cells gets disrupted due to the change in the sugar level. The nervous system acts on the electric signals generated.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2023

Category: Important Days & Events Current Affairs