#InternationalEarCareDay #MakeListeningSafe IMPACT

The World Health Organisation estimates that 1.1 billion people globally are at risk of hearing loss. Today, on International Ear Care Day, we should all be aware of the risks we are encountering that could affect our hearing. Here in the UK, the emphasis lies on taking steps to protect your hearing, like wearing ear plugs where there is loud music for example at gigs or in clubs.
 
Globally, this also means ensuring that people can access ear care. Early identification and treatment play a vital role in protecting hearing. Spotting the signs of early onset could mean the difference between saving hearing, or potential irreparable damage and hearing loss.
 
This is why IMPACT’s global initiatives to take mobile screening clinics to remote communities are so important; or programmes like the Lifeline Express and Jibon Tari which provide surgery to restore hearing free of charge to people living in rural areas with little to no medical care are vital.
 
Long time supporter of IMPACT Dr Michael Chowen OBE writes; “On this International Ear Care Day we should all be aware of what we can do to protect our hearing, such as listening to music at a safe volume. It is also important to recognise and support the work done globally to address disabling hearing impairment, which affects more than 360 million people worldwide. That is why I am delighted to announce that IMPACT is today launching the first ever neonatal hearing screening programme on Zanzibar.”
 
Infant hearing screening is a vital component of early childhood care in most developed countries: all babies in the UK are routinely screened in the first few weeks of life. Ensuring that babies get the specialist care they need, when they need it, is fundamental in safeguarding their hearing and gives them the start in life that every child deserves.
 

 To find out more about IMPACT’s work worldwide please visit www.impact.org.uk